Can I feed my 3 week old newborn water?

Question

My doctor said to hold off but my mom said that it's okay to feed him a bit of water before feeding time. Is it okay to feed him water that has been boiled?

Answer 1

Listen to your doctor, not your mother.

Answer 2

Firstly! you're not overeacting. My aunts newborn kind of had the same issue with the bowel movements. The doctor said if he hasn't pooped in a month then come back and see me. We were all thinking he was an a$S hole because seriously, wouldn't you feel horrible if you hadn't pooped for a whole month!? But, he did tell my aunt to give him apple juice I can't recall how much but it wasn't incorporated into the formula, but it was given to him just before the formula and after if he hadn't finsihed all the apple juice. This seemed to help A LOT! although he was still fussy with his bowel movements but not so much as before. Before the apple juice he would scream and we would have to hold him upright and walk him around and kind of bounce him (but not heavily bounce him just to the point were it was southing) But his bowel movements were hard and huge.My aunt would cry with him when he was pooping ... and even tried to pick it out.. gross I know, but I guess you'll try anything and everything. So, according to my aunts doctor, this whole not being able to poop and then pooping being painful is "normal". But still, I don't know, I think it's horrible. If his stomach is really hard, then maybe he's really constipated and that's why he's not wanting to lay down for very often. Get a second opinion, but don't go to the ER they'll probably just brush it off and send you home with the same info. Another source of info you could try is a midwife, they're very understanding of new-moms and their concerns. They'd be able to offer emotional support if not anything else. But don't let it go if it's bothering you. There's also a stomach massage you can do on newborns to get their bowels moving BUT DON'T GOOGLE IT, ask a professional and get them to demonstrate how to do it. Good luck darling! My aunts newborns pooping problems only lasted until 2 months. Hang in there! But seriously, midwife call one immediately!!

Answer 3

Hello there.
Your newborn does not need anything else except your breastmilk. Having said that it will probably not hurt him to give him water except that you run the risk of teaching him to drink out of a bottle which can be confusing for a baby this young. It is really better to only give him your breastmilk. He does not need the water.
Good luck and take good care of yourself. Remember that you as a breastfeeding mother require special care also. Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat! It is easy to forget your own needs when you are so busy with the needs of a new baby. Whenever you can, just cuddle down in bed with your baby and rest. Remember to eat when the baby eats, even if it is only a snack.
Love and Blessings
Lady T~

Answer 4

It is not neccesary to feed him water as your milk, or formula will provide him with everything he needs and will keep him hydrated.
Your doctor is right in telling you to hold off. Even if the water is boiled the risk of giving him an infection like thrush is quite high and not worth the risk.

Answer 5

Formula or breast milk are best. There is no reason that he should need water. If he's constipated, your doctor can direct you as to what is best. Sometimes our mom's still the the old school stuff is ok...but sorry moms, there has actually been more research since the 70's and 80's. LOL (I speak from experience.) Congratulations on your new addition!

Answer 6

If you give your baby water he will fill up on water right before feeding time and probably take in less nutritious milk. Also, giving too much water to a newborn can dilute his electrolytes and can be dangerous. Listen to your doctor and don't bother with the water...he doesn't need it.

Answer 7

Hi,Like you I also had the same question,when my dr advised not to give water till he is 6 months old.But i was so confused bcos my mom and mil insisted me and every other elders insisted my giving water that too it was hot summer.
But my advise is till 4 months or till u start solid foods he may not require any water.
Water may some times lead to vomitting and there are lot of chances for germs to contaminate the water even if it is boiled, some drs says there are chances of botulism or gastric problems if water is given for new borns.so i started giving water only after 4 months that too only after starting solid foods.
But watever u do do it with confidence.
All the best

Answer 8

I don't understand why you would want to give him water before a feed - that would only fill his tummy and make him feed less. Do you mean to give to him in between feeds? Whilst I don't think it would hurt him, I would follow the doctor's advice.

Answer 9

Why would you? Water will make him feel full but will not provide him with the nutrients and calories he needs at this stage of life. Remember, babies growth spurts typically occurr at around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. At three weeks, he needs to be getting as much breastmilk, and if necessary, formula, as he demands.

Answer 10

I Fed my daughter cooled boiled water when she was a week old because she wouldnt settle and she had her bottle and then developed the hiccups so I tried the water it settled her a little. Just make sure the water is boiled and cooled but not too cool and not too hot.

Answer 11

You should go by what your doctor says. I didn't give my son water until he was a few months old and that was when the doctor said I could give him some.