How often do you hear from your Midwife “stay hydrated!!”. It is especially important during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum while breastfeeding. You may have heard that experiencing labor and birth are the equivalent of completing a marathon – both physically and emotionally. This is true, and good hydration can help women stay steady during the whole process.
It is equally as important to stay hydrated during pregnancy – yes – you will have to urinate a lot. The blood volume doubles by the third month of pregnancy, and women need to drink enough fluids to support this amazing feat their bodies accomplish. For women who want to breastfeed, the body makes at least an extra quart of breast milk every 24 hours. The fluids that you drink help maintain this milk supply and keep your body in good working order too.
What should you drink?
No sugar drinks – this includes soda and juice with sugar added. Sugar free drinks contain artificial sweeteners that are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Water is the best hydration drink – add a squeeze of fresh lemon/orange, or slices of cucumber to make it fancy if you want.
Even if you are not pregnant, the recipe below is a great drink for those long bike rides, hikes or runs. Or, for those who are sitting on the patio on a hot day and you need something refreshing, this is still the perfect cold beverage. Not all of us participate in the active 4 Corner’s lifestyle! Some would rather enjoy the mountain scenery as opposed to climbing the mountain. It is all good.
Here is a recipe for Laborade. It contains electrolytes and fluids that are perfect for labor, or on a hot day when you are sweating.
Laborade Recipe
1 cup berry juice (unsweetened)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup honey
½ teaspoon salt
4 cal/mag capsule (Calcium citrate – these are available on our web site through Fullscript. Fullscript offers high quality products. You may also use Citracal from a local store)
Water to make 2 quarts
Drink this in labor, or make ice cubes. Try it on a hot day, too, when you need a little extra boost.