Should I Give My Breastfed Baby Water?

GOOD JOB for you!!!!!!! All your baby needs at this precious age is your breast milk. I too nursed my 2 children and never supplemented my breast milk for anything else. I remember when we had our son, everyone always has their share of advice. But with all things you must learn to trust YOUR motherly instinct as to what is best for your little girl. I would recomend that you look into La Leche League International (they have a book titled "The motherly art of breastfeedig") (I highly recomend that if you have not read it to check for a copy at your local library...it has a lot of valuable information that may help you now and in the future), as they have the most reliable information when it comes to nursing. Also have you consulted with your doctor? I have always consulted with my docotor, but at the same time I always went with what worked best for me and my 2 little ones. How far do you live from Chamberlain as I would not mind loaning my copy out so long as it was returned. :0) If there is anything you ever need to ask about brestfeeding please feel free to contact me. I am not an expert but I will willingly share with you all of my experiences. I know that finding a good support system was very helpful for me. I wish you the best.....just remember that Maya is your babygirl and that it is your instinct to naturally do what is best for her. Y.

2 moms found this helpful

Well, think about it, do you want a tall glass of warm milk on a hot, sunny day? Water isn't going to hurt your baby, there is no need for sugar! Baby's are moving more and getting more active daily, they can't tell you their only thirsty! Help keep them hydrated! It's not going to hurt them, more so help! You don't take away or replace nursing which IS BEST! Don't stuff water down them, simply offer it!

1 mom found this helpful

HI A.,

I believe breast milk is the only thing your daughter needs right now. I think by adding water will only give her problems. I wouldn't introduce until you introduce solids. I have 3 wonderful children and I am still nursing my 18month old. (she drinks water too, but I didn't start her until we started with solids). I hope this helps.

L.

1 mom found this helpful

The only reason that I know of for giving an infant sugar water is if they are jaundiced, and that usually happens the first few weeks of life, and certainly wouldn't be a concern at 4 months. I have 3 little ones and have gotten all sorts of crazy advice on what to feed them, etc. Trust your instincts and your doctor's advice, you can't go wrong.

1 mom found this helpful

No- it is not necessary. I went through the same thing with my Mom- every time we talked on the phone "are you giving him water yet?" And her inquiries were becoming more intense because she was convinced he would have jaundice if I didn't give him water. I had to have her talk to my doctor, 2 different nurses and then finally a friend of hers told her- NO WATER. As medical practice changes, so does information on breastfeeding, etc. I think in my Mom's day it was probably common practice- but not so now.

1 mom found this helpful

Your baby should only need your milk. I never supplemented when I was breastfeeding. Actually, I was advised not to.

1 mom found this helpful

This has to be outdated informtion. None of my friends that nursed advised me to supplement with sugar water, nor did my doctor. Sugar water has no nutritional value.

1 mom found this helpful

It was once encouraged but is now considered a no no to give your baby water. They need to and do get their nourishment and hydration solely from your milk. But if you still have concerns just speek with your childs pediatrician. Best of luck and Kudos to you for breastfeeding! :)

1 mom found this helpful

do not give her sugar water. That is a commom myth. you can give her regular water if you feel you are ready to try it. but at the age your infant is at it is not necessary if she is satisified with your breast milk good luck
R. LPN

1 mom found this helpful

breast milk is plenty for a baby. they shouldn't need water and especially sugar water.

1 mom found this helpful

I unfortuantly am unable to breast feed my 2 month old, however have gotten advice from the older generation. My favorite is giving the baby orange juice, because that is what they did with the one gals son when he was born, he's in his 50's now. The older generation are great people and have lots of experience, but take with a grain of salt and do what your doctor and instints tell you. Good Luck and Congratulations on a new little one.

1 mom found this helpful

Sugar water huh? Hmm, those older ladies often have some advice we are all unsure of. I guess this is something I would ask my child's doctor about. I think the sugar would possibly give her dirreah. My gut feeling is that she is too young for water right now. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt, but doesn't her little, growing body need all the nutrients it can get. Mother milk is THE VERY BEST for your baby. I never gave my babies water supplements, and they are very healthy!

Talk to your Dr. if you are unsure. That always made me feel better when I questioned something.

Good Luck,
K.
North Dakota

1 mom found this helpful

I love getting advice from old ladies who think I dont know anything because I am a first time Mom. HEHE. Some people say babies need water for flouride. Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby! =). My ped. told me to not give Preston anything else and he's a healthy 10 month old now. He's on formula now but he got the good start that he needed from me! Keep doing what you do best!!

1 mom found this helpful

A.,

No, you should not give your baby water or sugar water. We just discussed this recently at a breastfeeding group I attend. Just politley tell the people thanks for the suggestion but, now they recommend no to do that or use the Journal of medicine as an excuse. I know that it is hard to ingnore people who may just trying to help but, it simply isn't the way it is done now.

All your baby needs is your milk until they are at least 6 months old.

Best of luck with your new bundle of joy.

A.

1 mom found this helpful

i use to give my babies water mixed with karo syrup at least once a day when they were infants. i wouldn't do suger because it could mess up your baby's tummy.