An Ultra-Hydrating Refreshment to Support Lactation
This delicious drink is a client favorite and a great alternative to the ever-so-present gallon-size water jug that you likely have next to you at all times while breastfeeding. Try this hydration boost trio of yummy watermelon juice, superfood chia seeds, and 3 different kinds of teas known to support milk production.
To start, a summertime classic; watermelon is a great source of fructose, fiber, and water, while also including essential vitamins and minerals.
Chia seeds are a a hydration superfood, able to absorb 30 times their weight in water. They are also a great source of plant protein, fiber, fat, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorous and incredibly calorie efficient.
Lastly, each type of tea used was chosen for its breastfeeding and postpartum supportive qualities. These herbal teas contain some of nature’s finest ingredients for the fourth trimester, some of which are fennel, fennugreek, thistle herb, spearmint leaf, lemongrass and of course, nettle and raspberry leaf.
It takes a bit of time to prepare the chia seeds, but makes a large batch that you can enjoy over the next two days.
Try it and enjoy all of this drink’s hydrating benefits!
Hydration Station Watermelon Cooler Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup chia seeds
2 mother’s milk tea bags
2 nettle leaf tea bags
2 raspberry leaf tea bags
1 cup boiling water
3 cups watermelon chunks
1.5 tsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
Directions
In a small bowl, soak chia seeds in boiling water with mother’s milk, nettle leaf, and raspberry leaf tea bags for added lactation benefit. After about 15 minutes of steeping, place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes. Remove chia seed mixture from fridge and whisk until the chia seeds are separated as much as possible. Return mixture to fridge and let sit for 2 to 3 hours.
After chia seeds have finished gelling, blend the watermelon, lime juice, and honey in a blender until smooth.
Separate the watermelon juice from its pulp by pouring the blended mixture through a fine seive and into a bowl. Circulate the seive until as much juice as possible drains through and then discard the pulp.
Combine the watermelon juice with the chia seeds and whisk until the seeds are separated throughout the juice. Enjoy after cooling and store in a covered container. Cooler will stay fresh in the fridge for 2 days.