Body Armor Drink and Breastfeeding
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You’ve heard the other breastfeeding moms raving about sports drinks, specifically the body armor drink and breastfeeding. It’s the “cure to a low milk supply” some swear by, but does the body armor drink actually increase a mom’s breast milk supply? Learn the good news and the bad news about this popular drink for breastfeeding moms.
Breastfeeding mothers have been struggling with low milk supplies for decades, but the latest remedy and craze revolves around a popular sports drink: Body Armor.
This article explores the claim that the Body Armor drink can help boost breast milk supply and provide breastfeeding moms like you with as much information as possible to make the best choice when it comes to finding remedies to increase your milk supply.
*Disclaimer: If you’re experiencing concerns about your breastfeeding or breast milk production please consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for expert-based solutions as this article is not intended to be medical advice.
Does Body Armor Increase Milk Supply?
There is no scientific data to support that Body Armor drinks give breast milk production an extra boost. However, many moms claim it’s a great way to boost your supply…so why is that?
What is the Body Armor Drink?
Body Armor is a popular sports drink that is largely known as a hydration beverage for athletes due to its electrolyte-rich formula. Many people who haven’t tried tend to think they’re energy drinks, but it’s not, think of it in the same lane as Gatorade.
Body Armor contains a blend of coconut water, vitamins, and minerals, along with other natural ingredients like taurine and natural flavors. It also comes in many thirst-quenching flavors like blue raspberry, watermelon strawberry, pineapple coconut, orange mango, and many more.
How Does the Body Armor Drink Help Milk Supply?
It’s believed that Body Armor drinks can boost breast milk supply due to certain ingredients that can influence lactation. For example:
- Coconut Water: It contains vitamins and minerals, and overall is a nutritious drink. Of course, hydration alone can help breast milk production, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence to specifically say that coconut water (or even coconut milk) can directly increase milk supply. Though, I know many moms whose anecdotal evidence says otherwise.
- Magnesium: Magnesium works in a slightly different way, it doesn’t directly increase milk supply, but it can help to aid in feeling calm and relaxed which in turn is always beneficial for a breastfeeding mother.
- Electrolytes: 90% of breast milk is water, thus as you’re nursing and pumping out milk for your baby, you’ll want to replenish the water and electrolytes being lost.
However, it is crucial to note that there is limited scientific evidence (as mentioned earlier) to support the specific claim that Body Armor drinks directly enhance breast milk supply.
Despite the lack of evidence, many moms have shared their success with having an increased milk supply. When we take a closer look at the ingredients, many of them have been used by Lactation Consultants to help boost supply.
For instance, magnesium and calcium are often used to help prevent a dip in mom’s milk supply during her period.
Another example is plain coconut water. Coconut water is generally recommended due to its ultra-hydrating properties, which is always a good idea for a breastfeeding mom.
The Importance of Hydration While Breastfeeding
Making sure you’re adequately hydrated is essential for your overall health and plays a significant role in milk production. Dehydration can negatively impact milk supply, meaning its crucial for nursing mothers to consume enough fluids. The rule of thumb: drink to thirst.
In fact, hydration needs can increase when a mother is breastfeeding, breastmilk is 90% water, after all. Though some studies show moms who drink excessive amounts produce even less milk.
And while Body Armor drinks can contribute to proper hydration due to their electrolyte content, it is important to remember that they should not replace plain water intake or a balanced diet.
Which Body Armor Drinks are Best for Breastfeeding?
This is a great question because the regular Body Armor drink has a lot of sugar (despite their use of a natural source: pure cane sugar) thus adding on the extra calories. So, be sure to opt for the Lyte version, they are by far the best drinks and a better option from body .L/JK@!armor.
Take a look at the difference below.
On the left, this regular Body Armor in Blue Raspberry contains 21 grams of sugar.
On the right, the Body Armor Lyte in Blueberry Pomegranate contains only 2 grams of sugar. That’s a significant difference in sugar content between the two bottles despite the lyte bottle being 16oz and the regular being 12oz.
How to Make a Homemade Body Armor Drink For Breastfeeding
Now, one alternative to Body Armor is to simply make your own little electrolyte-filled drink at home. The best part is that it’s pretty easy to replicate this common drink and the best way is with these 2 basic ingredients:
- Coconut Water
- Low/No Sugar Juice (play around with different flavors as you wish)
This is a good option for those of you who can’t find any Body Armor locally or maybe your stores don’t carry the Lyte version.
Alternative Strategies for Boosting Milk Supply (that are proven):
Now, if you’ve tried the Body Armor drink and found it didn’t help to boost milk supply or you’re simply not convinced to try it, let me share a couple of milk boosting strategies that are proven to help enhance lactation:
- Frequent breastfeeding or pumping: Stimulating your breasts more often can signal the body to produce more milk. Breast milk production is a supply-and-demand process so don’t be afraid to add in an extra breastfeeding session or two. Ever heard of power pumping? This is a common way moms can quickly boost their milk supply in less than a day!
- Proper nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients for milk production.
- Adequate hydration: Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining optimal milk production. Whether you turn to a lactation smoothie or plain water — be sure you’re drinking every hour or so to keep up with your body’s hydration needs.
- Seek support: Consulting a lactation consultant or joining a breastfeeding support group can provide wonderful guidance and emotional support throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Does the Body Armor Drink Increase Milk Supply — Recap
While Body Armor drinks may offer hydration benefits due to their electrolyte content, their direct impact on breast milk supply remains inconclusive.
Though I always encourage moms to try remedies like this on their own terms, it is essential to focus on evidence-based strategies, such as proper nutrition, hydration, and frequent breastfeeding or pumping, to support her lactation goals.
And as always, when you’re concerned about your breastfeeding journey or experience, contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for expert support.
Remember, every mother’s journey is unique, and what works for one mom may not work for you.
