Breasfeeding and giving water

[Cian's Mum]

Hi .

I'm 36 weeks pregnant and I was wondering if I could give a bit of water to my Baby to be ( newborn and later on ) as well as breastfeeding.

It's already really warm in Melbourne and I'm afraid that the summer is going to be pretty bad.
Can I top up with a bit of water (Mineral of course ) as I don't want him to suffer dehydration ? ...


Thank you very much for your help .
Beatrice .

[Pinky McKay]

Dear Beatrice,

Please dont give your newborn water. Your breastmilk will be absolutely prefect for your baby - babies in the hottest climates don't need water and neither will your baby. Breastmilk is actually very high in water content - with wonderful immune factors and nutrients all added in perfect amounts for your baby's growth at each age and stage.

Adding water/ mineral water or any other fluids can be detrimental to the very finely balanced gut environment of your baby and it may confuse your baby into feeding less from the breast, which is really what your bub will need to maintain health/ electrolytes/ blood sugar levels/ and to prevent jaundice in the early days as colostrum, the early fluid clears your baby's gut.

If you allow your baby to breastfeed according to his hunger cues (turning his head and rooting with his mouth, nuzzling towards you, sucking on his fingers -or at first simply trying to put his hand to mouth - making little noises and grizzling), he will suck just the right amount of milk in the right consistency for his specific needs at each feed - babies often have shorter frequent feeds on hot days because they tend to suck until 'letdown' getting more thirst-quenching foremilk. When they are hungry, they will feed longer and get more hindmilk - the later fattier milk. If you watch your baby and let him or her determine what s/he needs and how long to suckle, there will be no worries about dehydration.

If anybody needs extra water -it will be you- drink according to your own thirst and your body will make milk that is perfectly suited to your baby.

Meanwhile - it is agood idea to learn all you can about breastfeeding BEFORE you have ahungry/ thirsty baby! So please take advantage of the wonderful services of the Australian Breastfeeding Association - there is a FREE breastfeeding book being offered with membership at present.

Best wishes for a 'happy BIRTH day'

Pinky