5 week old - help in the heat please

[virgo1979]

hi, my 5week old ds is b-feeding a lot in this heat, am sure it is more thirst than hunger though, can you give cooled boiled water to drink (with syringe or teaspoon sterilised)to quench the thirst. am exclusively bfing. i asked the midwife as was similarly hot 4 weeks ago and she said no as DS may fill up with the water then not want milk, but HV said its ok. what would you do. DS is cranky enough in the heat, falls asleep in arms, then screams once you put him down. have got the fans on etc and giving him lots of cuddles too....starting to despair...

virgo - breastmilk is over 90 per cent water He may well feed more in the heat - babies do this. He needs milk, not water, though, and it is not a good idea to give water - HV is quite wrong.

If he is unhappy being put down, then it is easier to work out ways of holding him so he stays asleep and happy....a lot easier than expecting a 5 week old to change his normal needs

Just breastfeed more often. He doesn't need water. I would only do bottle of water if I was leaving him with DH between feeds so there was no access to a breast etc.

thanks guys, i have been feeding him lots as obviously dont want him to dehydrate. was hesitant to give water too so glad i havent. happy to give cuddles and keep him calm and happy otherwise.

From what I've read your milk should adapt to be more fluids, less calories when the LO needs it. Your MW's advice sounds spot-on.