Can breastfeeding moms drink coconut water? Check the facts here!
The breastfeeding phase is an essential period not only for mothers but also for their babies. During this phase, the baby receives all the love and nutrition needed for optimal growth and development through breast milk. Various nutritious foods and drinks are recommended, and coconut water is often included in the daily menu. But can breastfeeding mothers drink coconut water?
Coconut water is known as one of the natural electrolyte sources easily absorbed by the body. Its nutrient-rich content makes this refreshing drink very popular. However, consuming coconut water during the breastfeeding phase raises many questions about whether there are health risks for both mother and baby.
To help you gain better insight on this topic, let’s break down everything about coconut water and its role in the daily menu of breastfeeding mothers.
Facts About Coconut Water
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The most important factor when discussing food and drink consumption during breastfeeding is the nutritional content and hygiene. Coconut water contains many beneficial nutrients for both mother and baby.
According to Indonesia’s Food Composition Data, as cited by an article on Siloam Hospitals, every 100 grams of coconut water contains several essential nutrients as follows:
- Water 95.5 grams
- Carbohydrates 3.8 grams
- Protein 0.2 grams
- Potassium 149 milligrams
- Calcium 15 milligrams
- Phosphorus 8 milligrams
- Sodium 1 milligram
- Vitamin C 1 milligram
- Energy 17 calories
In addition, coconut water is believed to contain other minerals and vitamins such as antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, and other nutrients that benefit the mother’s body.
General Health Benefits of Coconut Water
Before looking at the benefits of coconut water for breastfeeding mothers, let’s first review these four general health benefits of coconut water:
- First, it hydrates the body. Coconut water is a natural fluid quickly absorbed by the body, helping to replace lost electrolytes from sweat or other fluid loss.
- Second, it boosts the immune system. Its antioxidant and vitamin C content may help maintain health and immunity.
- Third, it supports heart health because a well-hydrated body ensures blood stays at an ideal viscosity level, reducing strain on the heart.
- Fourth, it promotes healthy skin. Adequate hydration keeps the skin moist, supple, and protected from dryness or cracking.
So, Can Breastfeeding Mothers Drink Coconut Water?
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The short answer is yes. Breastfeeding mothers can drink coconut water because it brings numerous benefits. So far, there is no scientific evidence showing negative effects on babies.
Of course, this assumes the coconut water consumed is free from bacteria or viruses that may enter during transfer from the fruit to the container used. As long as hygiene is maintained, there’s no problem including coconut water in a breastfeeding mother’s daily diet.
During this breastfeeding phase, coconut water offers at least four main benefits.
1. Boosts Breast Milk Production
Coconut water is rich in water, vitamins, and minerals essential for the body. These nutrients help meet the daily nutritional intake needed to produce sufficient quantity and quality of breast milk.
2. Replaces Lost Body Fluids
Producing and releasing breast milk requires a significant amount of fluid. Coconut water, alongside mineral water, effectively replaces lost body fluids.
3. Provides Extra Nutrition
Coconut water also provides additional nutrients, helping mothers maintain their condition and produce high-quality breast milk during the breastfeeding period.
4. Increases Energy
One of the most tiring aspects of early motherhood is breastfeeding. The body burns energy to produce milk and sustain metabolism. Drinking coconut water regularly in the right portions may help mothers recover energy faster and feel refreshed sooner.
Common Myths About Coconut Water and Breastfeeding
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This section is not intended to offend anyone who still believes myths about coconut water during breastfeeding. However, based on scientific evidence mentioned above, there is no research showing negative impacts from consuming coconut water during this phase.
Some myths, such as coconut water causing colds or coughs in babies, thinning breast milk, or making babies gassy after breastfeeding, are untrue.
As modern individuals, scientific facts should guide decisions about health and child development. When consumed in reasonable amounts, coconut water actually brings positive effects for mothers and babies.
5 Simple Tips for Drinking Coconut Water During Breastfeeding
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To maximize the benefits of coconut water during breastfeeding, mothers can follow these five tips:
- Choose fresh, natural coconut water. Ensure hygiene during the transfer process and avoid factory-packaged coconut water.
- Start with small amounts to observe the baby’s reaction to possible changes in breast milk taste or texture.
- Consume in moderation, not excessively or too little. Keep mineral water as the main source of daily fluid intake.
- Vary fluid intake with fresh fruit juices, vegetables, fruits, and other healthy options.
- Consult a doctor immediately if any unusual symptoms appear in the baby after the mother drinks coconut water.
Coconut water is indeed a healthy drink for breastfeeding mothers. In short, the question “can breastfeeding mothers drink coconut water” can be answered with a resounding yes because it offers many benefits. Keeping the body hydrated and supporting both the quality and quantity of breast milk production, mothers may feel more refreshed by regularly drinking natural coconut water.
Now that you know the answer to “can breastfeeding mothers drink coconut water,” hopefully this gives you useful insight as a reference during this phase. To further support breastfeeding, you can also use various Hegen products for pumping, breast milk storage, or even storing coconut water hygienically. Hegen offers a range of high-quality PPSU bottles and containers that withstand both low and high temperatures and are guaranteed BPA-free. High quality, elegant, and supported by a complete product ecosystem, Hegen is the trusted partner for your baby’s growth at every stage!
References:
- theAsianparent. Benarkan Setelah Caesar Tak Boleh Minum Air Kelapa? Ini Penjelasannya!. https://id.theasianparent.com/air-kelapa-untuk-ibu-menyusui.
- Ibu&Balita. Mitos dan Fakta Manfaat Air Kelapa untuk Ibu Hamil. https://www.ibudanbalita.com/artikel/kenali-mitos-dan-fakta-air-kelapa-untuk-ibu-hamil.
- Hamil.co.id. 6 Manfaat Air Kelapa untuk Ibu Menyusui. https://hamil.co.id/pasca-hamil/menyusui/manfaat-air-kelapa-untuk-ibu-menyusui.
- HaiBunda. 8 Mitos Air Kelapa untuk Ibu Hamil yang Masih Dipercaya, Cek Faktanya. https://www.haibunda.com/kehamilan/20191203175134-49-70316/8-mitos-air-kelapa-untuk-ibu-hamil-yang-masih-dipercaya-cek-faktanya.
- Siloam Hospitals. Ini 8 Manfaat Air Kelapa untuk Kesehatan Tubuh. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/manfaat-air-kelapa.
- Halodoc. Ketahui Manfaat Kelapa Muda untuk Ibu Menyusui. https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ketahui-manfaat-kelapa-muda-untuk-ibu-menyusui?srsltid=AfmBOoqs1syhkcXKjFSid6ztdqlmgJA8nOi9nCpsm903rdSfp5z4KYXB.
- Popmama. 5 Manfaat Air Kelapa untuk Ibu Menyusui, Tak Hanya Melancarkan ASI. https://www.popmama.com/pregnancy/birth/rachma-novianty/manfaat-air-kelapa-untuk-ibu-menyusui.
