Do breastfeeding infants/toddlers need additional water?

   Summer is here and with it some very hot and humid weather. Everyone from parents to bystanders….are concerned and ask if your little one needs to have some  water to keep them hydrated!

 No they don't. Your baby gets all the water he or she needs from your breastmilk.

 Having said that they may look at you as if there is something wrong with you – there isn’t!

 You can explain to any who ask that breastmilk is 87% water so it is not necessary to give your breastfeeding little-one water.

  http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Human+milk

 Want to know more about the how and why of water content in milk –

 http://classes.ansci.illinois.edu/ansc438/milkcompsynth/milkcomp_water.html

    Additionally, giving water can be harmful  - giving water can fill their stomachs and then they will breastfeed less. Breastfeeding less will mean that they take in less nutrients, immunological properties and antibodies that are important to both their growth and their health protection.  

  Learn more about the composition of human milk at:

  http://kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/bmilk-composition

  Please note that this is very different that giving you older nursling sips of water when they are interested in trying what is in your cup.

 Please send us your breastfeeding questions and concerns.

  Patricia Berg-Drazin, RLC, IBCLC, CST
     Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

 www.800lactate.com/ patricia@800lactate.com