Staying hydrated

[HotGiggity]

Took DS to the docs on an unrelated note, and mentioned that he was a little bit constipated. He's 7 months and is being weaned so it's not really a surprise, but one thing she mentioned struck a chord.

She said about make sure I was drinking enough, because if I was dehydrated then my milk wouldn't be any good as a 'drink' for DS. My mind kind of says it makes sense, but I'm not entirely sure.

She also said to offer him water inbetween feeds, but I was under the impression with BFing, that was enough and extra water was only really required at meal times.

Anyway, I've been offering him water in between feed and although it has helped his constipation, I feel he's not BFing as much any more. I don't think it's because of the solid, as he's doing BLW and being a pain with it at the mo.

I guess I was just wondering if it was true that my milk isn't good enough as just a drink for him anymore?

Your milk is still a perfect drink for him. Your GP probably means well but is wrong.

Your milk is still something like 87% water. Offering a bit of extra water to help with constipation is fine too, but it doesn't mean your milk is faulty in any way.

Sounds like you are doing a fab job

Are you dehydrated? I mean - has the GP asked you to go to hospital for a drip? have you stopped passing urine? Is your mouth dry and skin dry and crepey? I thought not

So, relax, keep on feeding, his bowels will get used to the solids soon x

I'd suggest calling the nct helpline. They are really good and have helped me alot when I have questions.

In reference to u being hydrated, I'm just guessing completely and have sort of made it logical in my own mind in the following way; if I don't drink enough probably the body can't produce as much milk as could be required because there is not enough water for it to do so. I make the assumption that my body will likely look at it's own preservation above the baby, so if u are dehydrating to produce milk that's counterproductive to ur own survival. (the body tends to be quite hardlined about survival) It's not that it's better milk therefore I think, it's just easier for the body to cover all requirements properly and nutritionally if it is hydrated well. As I say I have no science to argue this, it's just how I'm looking at it to remind myself to drink enough too so feel free to ignore if someone says anything else!!! :0)

Post of previous person looks good! I'd go with that too!!!

Doctor is talking crap. Milk is made from blood, not water. Unless you were so dehydrated that your blood was thickened - and I think you would be aware of this from quite an early stage - your milk will not be affected.

BF mothers need to drink as often as they feel thirsty, same as anyone else. They do not need to gorge on water.

You would think a doctor would understand basic human biology wouldn't you? But no, instead of giving proper information she is just passing on old wives' tales. This happens so often, it makes my extremely watery blood boil You can safely disregard anything else she says about BF and get your information from someone knowledgable, like NCT/LLL.

Nonsense! I think you'd have noticed if your milk was coming out all thick or powdery

SXMummy - apparently it's actually a bit like pregnancy, your body prioritises the baby/milk production over you. So even if the mother doesn't have a great diet, she would suffer before the baby does as everything goes into milk production and the mother gets what's left. You'd have to be seriously dehydrated or malnourished for the quality of your milk to be harmed.

Ok, thanks all.

MUA I thought it was something like that, but then I was a bit concerned cos his poop seem better after having the extra water...

Maybe he did need more water, but you don't need to drink more to make your milk more watery. Maybe you could offer him juicy fruits for some extra liquids? Or just offer extra breastfeeds?

I think I'll try and get him using his cup, I go back to work in 3 weeks so, to start giving him more boob during the day doesn't seem like a good idea, as I don't really want him having loads of formula, at the moment I'm hoping to get away with just one bottle between 7 and 2.

Moonunit - interesting! Thanks for that. :0)