We had a heat snap a day or so ago, very summery weather, and Jazz got very sweaty, even in singlet and nappy. I was told that I should give her water by a few people (mum, MIL, and a friend) so she doesn't get dehydrated.
I thought that as long as I was drinking enough water, and feeding her when shes hungry/thirsty, then she wont get dehydrated? Don't know if thats right but thats what I thought. Jazz fed every 2ish hours during the day, though most times it was just for 5-10 minutes and she was satisfied, so I didn't give her any water. Mum, MIL and friend ended up telling me off as feeding her so often and when she demands it would overfeed her, and apparently I was wrapped around her little finger (something about getting what she wants all the time... obviously i should have starved her !).
Should I give her water on a hot day next time? Or is she getting enough from the boob?
for 100% breast fed babies, they dont need water, and you shouldnt give it. There is some suggestions that it can be damaging for their kidneys. If Jazz for ff, then, abit is ok, as the formula can make then dehyrdated and/or constipated.
But, just offer her the boob abit more often. She may only take abit of the foremilk, which will satisfy her thirst. I tihnk it was more 'done in the good ol' days' type thing. Just keep demand feeding, she will only take as much as she needs.
Yep - booby juice is all they need Kayla has only just the other day had her first taste of water, and even that was by accident, she was playing with Tallon's sippy cup LOL. I don't really offer water for a drink until they're close to 1. Maybe that's why my babies have more frequent feeds than others at this age? hehe.
Just keep yourself hydrated and allow full access to the boob and all will be fine
You are spot on. Breastmilk is all they need. Many mums do find their babies feed more frequently in the hot weather - it stands to reason, we are standing around swigging our water bottles as well. You sound like a great, tuned in mum. Keep up the good work
And as for bfing on demand and being 'wrapped around her finger', it's been proven that babies whose needs (for feeding or settling) are met quickly when they are little are actually more confident and settled as they get older. A baby is programmed to turn to its mother to have its needs met and a mother is programmed to respond quickly. Simple.
I ended up getting a brochure, I think it was from the ABA (long time ago, not 100% there), clearly showing that babies do not need water when they are BF, just to get her off my back!
Giving babies water?
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Kayla has only just the other day had her first taste of water, and even that was by accident, she was playing with Tallon's sippy cup LOL. I don't really offer water for a drink until they're close to 1. Maybe that's why my babies have more frequent feeds than others at this age? hehe.
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