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Can I drink barley water while breastfeeding?

Can I Drink Barley Water While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a crucial period for both mothers and infants, and many new mothers often wonder about the safety and benefits of various foods and drinks during this time. One such query that arises is whether barley water is a suitable beverage for breastfeeding mothers.
Understanding Barley Water
Barley water is a nutritious drink made by boiling barley grains in water, which is then strained to produce a light, refreshing beverage. It has been traditionally consumed for its health benefits, including hydration and potential digestive support. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether barley water can be safely consumed is particularly relevant.
Safety and Benefits of Barley Water
According to health resources, barley is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. It is rich in nutrients and can provide hydration, which is essential during lactation. Staying well-hydrated is important for milk production, and barley water can contribute to a mother’s fluid intake.
Moreover, barley is known for its lactogenic properties, meaning it may help in boosting milk supply. Some sources suggest that barley can be beneficial for nursing mothers, as it is believed to enhance lactation due to its nutritional profile.
Potential Effects on Infants
While barley water is typically safe, it is essential to monitor how your baby reacts after you consume it. Although adverse effects are rare, some infants may have sensitivities or allergies to certain foods. If a mother notices any unusual reactions in her baby after consuming barley water, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.
Hydration and Nutrition During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers are often advised to increase their fluid intake to support milk production. While the exact amount of water needed can vary, it is generally recommended that mothers drink to thirst and ensure they are adequately hydrated. Barley water can be a flavorful alternative to plain water, providing not just hydration but also additional nutrients.
Conclusion
In summary, drinking barley water while breastfeeding is generally safe and may even offer some benefits, such as improved hydration and potential support for milk production. However, as with any dietary change during breastfeeding, it is important for mothers to pay attention to their bodies and their babies’ responses. If any concerns arise, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a prudent step.

What drinks should I avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

What is the best water for breastfeeding mothers?

Plain water tops the list because not getting enough of it can directly reduce your milk supply. Breast milk is almost 90% water, so you need additional fluids to keep up your supply.

Which water increase breast milk?

Examples of drinks that can help increase breast milk include coconut water, coconut milk, lactation teas, electrolyte drinks, and fenugreek. Keep reading to see what else you can try to drink to increase supply.

Who Cannot drink barley water?

Avoid using barley. Allergies to cereal grains: Consuming barley might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other cereal grains, including rye, wheat, oat, corn and rice. An allergic reaction is also possible in people allergic to grass.

What teas should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Some types of tea can affect breastmilk production and cause side effects in the baby. Teas that should be avoided include lemongrass, oregano, parsley, peppermint, ginseng, kava andillicium verum. They should be avoided whenever possible, or consumed only under the supervision of a doctor.

What drinks increase breast milk supply?

And caffeine-free iced or hot herbal teas can contribute to your daily fluid goal. You can also buy or make lactation tea. These herbal teas feature galactagogues like fenugreek, ginger, fennel, and other herbs thought to boost milk supply.

Is barley good for breast?

“A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains has anticancer effects,” says Czerwony. “And some research shows that the nutrients in barley could also help prevent breast cancer.”

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

  • Smoking or drinking.
  • Some medicines and herbs.
  • Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
  • Nursing or pumping less often.
  • Getting sick.
  • Feeling stressed.
  • Getting pregnant again.

Can a breastfeeding mother drink barley water?

Barley is safe to be consumed during breastfeeding, except by persons with celiac disease. Allergy to barley occurs rarely. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

  • Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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