Breastfeeding question?

Question

Hi,

My question is: If I breastfeed, does my baby still need water as well? Or will she get all she needs through my milk?

I bottle fed my son, but I'd like to breast feed this time, and I just wanted to know whether breastfed babies need water as well as milk.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Breast milk is a complete baby survival package. They do not need water as well, although you can offer a small amount if you feel the need. Not too much though, baby will request feeding whether s/he is hungry or thirsty, and this is what builds and regulates your supply. Certainly in the early days I would tend to avoid offering anything else.

I never offered my daughter anything other than breast, and she was born slap bang in the middle of last summers heatwave! She is now a thriving 8 month old.

Answer 2

Your breast milk is all the baby needs. Just make sure you eat healthy and get all the vitamins and liquids that your body needs.

I know this has nothing to do with your question but I also wanted to say that keep trying with the breast feeding and don't give up. My son is 11 months and unfortunately I was only able to breast-fed him till he was 2 months old. Ask for help if it doesn't work. I should have, then I would have been able to breast-fed him longer. If you need any info this is a great site on breast feeding. http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb.html

Answer 3

Breastmilk is all that your baby will need. It actually has different characteristics at the beginning of a feeding session (a little more watery) and towards the end (higher fat content). On a hot summer day you may notice your baby nursing more often to quench his thirst and this is perfectly normally. The problem with giving your baby water is that you risk the baby's tiny tummy filling up with something other than milk and thus drinking less at the next feeding. Fat (like found in breastmilk) is an extremelly important factor in a baby's growth.

Answer 4

Only really in really hot weather would you top up a feed with water.

I know why your confused cos you make up formula with water but thats to replace breast milk. Breastmilk has everything your baby needs but come the summer it may be a good idea to offer him water but by then he'll probably be weaning anyway.

Good luck!

Ask your midwife for all the advice on breastfeeding, there is pleanty out there and make use of it!

Answer 5

No, your baby doesn't need water as well because the foremilk contains lots of water whereas the hindmilk contains the fatty milk that will provide the calories and help your baby to gain weight.

Answer 6

Infants dont need water regardless of breast or bottle fed...not until they are about 4 months old.

Answer 7

No - your breast milk provides baby with everything he needs.

Good for you for deciding to breast feed, I have been unable to continue breast feeding my son and I miss the bond that we had.

Stick with it and talk to your midwife who will be more then happy to help you! Good Luck! LOL

Answer 8

well you ddint say how old your son was. but no breast milk for the first 6 months is all baby needs. no needed to give water.

Answer 9

There's no harm in giving water as well as breast milk, just make sure its boiled cooled water. Some professionals would say not to mix breast and teet but you know whats best for your baby and if he/she doesn't want it they wont take it. When i was feeding my son it was recommended to give him water as well it helps with bowel movement. In hot weather it's a must.

Answer 10

You follow the same rules as bottle feeding. You do not need to give water. your best bet is to talk to your doctor though! Good Luck!