Breastmilk and water

Why can't we give water to a breastfeeding baby before the 6 months, even when it is hot?

Giving water to young babies puts them at risk of diarrhea and malnutrition. Water may bot be clean and cause the baby to have infections. Giving water may also cause the baby to drink less breastmilk or to stop breastfeeding early and therefore cause malnutrition. If mothers give water instead of breastfeeding it will also cause the mother to have less milk in the future.

Breastmilk is 88% water and breastmilk has all the water your baby needs, even in very hot weather. But once baby starts solids, you might want to give him a few sips of expressed milk or water with his solids - some babies need this to prevent constipation.

A child is considered exclusively breastfed when he or she receives only breastmilk, without any additional food or liquid, even water, with the exception of vitamins or medicines. When breastfeeding, the mother gives his baby all the water he needs, while providing "safe water" and protecting the baby against diarrhea.

WHY SHOULD I NOT GIVE WATER TO MY BREASTFED BABY?

💧 Water supplements fill baby up without adding calories that can result in weight loss or insufficient weight gain. 
💧 Too much water can interfere with breastfeeding because it fills baby up so that he nurses less thus compromising the mother's milk supply.
💧 Too much water can lead to a serious condition called oral water intoxication or also known as osmotic imbalance.

WHAT IS WATER INTOXICATION?

💧 It is a condition in which the electrolytes, such as sodium, in a baby's bloodstream become diluted, inhibiting normal bodily functions and leading to dangerous problems such as low body temperature or seizures.


Source:
Breastfeeding Pinay FB Group

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Kabuhayan noong panahon ng Kastila

Talambuhay ni Liwayway A. Arceo

Basketball Hand Signals