Is it necessary to give water to breastfeeding? Is it necessary to give water to exclusive breastfeeding?

Many mothers are hesitant about whether breastfed infants need to be fed water. They don't know whether to feed them or not, after all, breast milk contains water. So, is it necessary to feed water to breastfeeding? Is it necessary to feed water to exclusive breastfeeding?

Do I need to feed water while breastfeeding?

Generally speaking, mothers should feed their babies some water according to their needs, even for breastfed babies.

Should I give water when breastfeeding?

Breastfed babies also need adequate hydration

Since 80% of breast milk is water, drinking breast milk alone can meet the water needs of infants. Moreover, feeding water to infants will occupy part of the stomach capacity, inhibit the child's sucking ability, and reduce the amount of milk they actively suck. This is not only detrimental to the growth of infants, but also causes a decrease in breast milk secretion.

However, when the baby is in a special period of water shortage, it is still necessary to feed the baby an appropriate amount of water. For example, when the baby has a high fever, diarrhea and dehydration, or takes sulfa drugs, it is necessary to feed some warm water to replenish the loss of water in the body.

Every mother and baby has her own particularities. If the baby sweats a lot, the house is very stuffy and the ventilation is poor, and the mother herself does not like to drink water, you should consider giving the baby appropriate amounts of water.

Breastfed babies do not need to be fed extra sugar water

In some places, it is customary to feed babies with sugar water, which is actually wrong. Breast milk contains all six types of nutrients that babies need within 6 months, namely protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. These nutrients are easy for babies to digest and absorb, and their quality changes accordingly as the baby grows and their needs increase. Sugar water contains a certain amount of energy, which will affect the baby's demand for breast milk, thereby causing a decrease in breast milk secretion. In addition, the acid produced by sugar fermentation in the intestine can also cause abdominal distension and diarrhea, increasing the risk of indigestion and other diseases in babies.

The editor reminds mothers that, in addition to exclusive breastfeeding, other artificially fed or mixed-fed babies must be given appropriate water. In addition, after the baby is 6 months old, it is also necessary to replenish water between meals, which is not only good for the baby's healthy growth, but also helpful for the baby's weaning in the future.

Top 10 Benefits of Breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding is good for infant digestion and healthy development. Breast milk has many advantages, and is nutritionally balanced and optimally proportioned, which are advantages that other foods do not have or do not fully have. Therefore, breastfeeding is good for infant digestion and helps promote healthy development and growth of infants.

2. Breastfeeding is beneficial to the healthy growth of babies. Breast milk, especially colostrum, contains rich nutrients needed by babies. It is a high-quality milk that cannot be replaced by any dairy products. Babies can suck breast milk, which is very beneficial to their healthy growth. It can be said to be completely beneficial.

3. Breastfeeding is beneficial to the recovery of the mother's health. After giving birth, the new mother's body and mind have changed. If the mother can breastfeed after giving birth, it can help the mother's uterus recover, reduce vaginal bleeding, prevent postpartum anemia, and promote physical recovery. At the same time, it can also help delay the new mother's next pregnancy.

4. Breastfeeding helps to enhance the baby's resistance and immunity. Breast milk, especially colostrum, contains a large amount of antibiotics that babies need and can resist infection. Anti-disease is something that no other dairy products or foods can fully possess, and it is unique to breast milk. Therefore, when babies suck breast milk, they enhance their resistance and immunity, making them less likely to get sick or not get sick at all.

5. Breastfeeding is conducive to enhancing the mother-child relationship. As the saying goes, mother and child are connected by heart. Through the stimulation of the baby sucking the mother's nipple, the new mother can enhance the mother's care, love and affection for the baby. Through sucking breast milk, the baby feels the warmth and closeness of the mother's skin, and feels safe and happy. Therefore, the relationship between mother and child is constantly communicated and progressed, and constantly enhanced and sublimated in this subtle way.

6. Breastfeeding is convenient and fast. Breastfeeding has many benefits. It is not only economical, but also convenient and fast. It is truly available whenever you want. It is very convenient and very suitable for babies to eat small meals frequently. Because babies do not eat at regular times and quantitative times like adults, they will eat when they are called to eat. If they are not fed regularly, they will cry and make a fuss. If other foods are used for feeding, it is difficult to meet these requirements and conditions. Only breastfeeding can adapt and meet them.

7. Breast milk is clean and safe. Breast milk is beyond reproach and is the best food for feeding babies. It is safe, clean, non-toxic, and has no side effects. It is incomparable to any other food. It is the "safe food" that new mothers all over the world provide for their babies.

8. Breastfeeding can reduce infant allergies. Breast milk is clean, safe, non-toxic, has no side effects, and contains natural antibiotics and antivirals. Therefore, breastfeeding can greatly reduce the occurrence of various allergies in infants. If other substitutes are used for feeding, various allergies will inevitably occur, causing the baby to lose appetite, sleep, and live in discomfort, affecting the healthy growth of the baby.

9. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of women suffering from ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Scientists have found through investigation, statistics and analysis that when comparing new mothers who breastfeed and those who do not, the risk of new mothers who breastfeed have a much lower risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer than those who do not.

10. Breastfeeding is economical. Breast milk is not only beneficial to the healthy growth of infants and the recovery of new mothers, but also cheaper and more economical than other feeding products.