Water or no water? What's the current thinking on breastfeeding in the heat

[fruitstick]

When DS1 was a baby every health visitor told me something different.

When the weather is hot does your breastmilk adapt? DS2 had just settled into a really nice pattern of 3.5 to 4 hour feeds but I don't want to fill him up on water if my milk is already watered down iyswim.

afaik it does adapt and become more watery - you could just monitor that DS2 is weeing frequently (although it will be a bit less than normal in the heat, it shouldn't be too much less) and see how he gets on?

no water is what I've been told consistently since DS1 (now 3).

You might need to feed more frequently though, as the baby may need more fluid in the heat.

How old is your baby? I would offer an older baby (who is on solid food) water without hesitation.

My daughter is nine weeks old and is just having breastmilk. I can sympathise its annoying when they want to do nothing but feed.

babycentre says no water

No water should be necessary if exclusively bf, but as others have said you might want to offer the breast more often to ensure ds is getting enough fluids.

AFAIK, the first part of every feed is relatively 'watery'. If you are fully feeding on demand, then when your baby is thirsty, and demanding more 'feed' then they will get more watery milk.

I lived in the tropics with 3 of mine, fully breast-fed, no extra water required, MUCH hotter than here, MUCH MUCH more humid, no problem at all.

If you are not feeding on demand then maybe it's different, maybe then you should offer water between what you regard as proper feeds - I don't know

oh yes - reallytired makes a good point - the advice I received was based on the assumption that you are excl bf, no solids etc.

Did a peer support course last year with LLL and no need to give water just BF as often as the baby needs, can't quite remember the stats but breast milk has enough water in it already and you are right you risk filling him up if giving just water. Sounds like a nice pattern you have going my 8 week old is still every 2 to 2.5 hours day and night

As I thought.

he is 16 weeks and wanting more feeds today which is fine but a little annoying.

I shall keep calm and carry on.

I would agree with reallytired, if the baby is on solids and an older baby/ toddler water would definitely be needed, they are more active too.