As the summer heat rolls in, it’s important for you as a new mother to pay extra attention to the well-being of your breastfeeding baby. With nice weather and summer holidays, your routine is probably going to change, and so is your baby’s routine, especially your breastfeeding routine.
As I have previously discussed in this post about breastfeeding on demand, breastmilk is all your baby needs in the first six months, and your breastmilk provides the perfect nourishment for them, offering hydration, essential nutrients, and antibodies to boost their immune system.
Is your baby more demanding than usual? Do you feel that your baby spends longer periods on the breast, and the feeds are becoming longer? Or the opposite, are the feeds getting shorter but more frequent? Should you offer water? Let’s explore all of these questions, and I will give you “My Top 5 Tips” for a nice breastfeeding journey during the Summer.
Is your baby more demanding than usual?
Breastfeeding during the summer months comes with its own set of challenges. It can get sweaty and maybe a bit uncomfortable, but it’s not all bad.
With the increase in temperatures, you may notice some changes in your baby’s feeding patterns. Your baby may need more feeds than usual. These feeds are aimed at quenching your baby’s thirst and not solely for feeding purposes. Babies are very smart, and this behavior has a reason behind it. Remember that breastmilk contains a high percentage of water, which is why your baby may have shorter feeds when feeling thirsty.
On the other hand, there are some babies that do the opposite, having longer feeds to keep themselves hydrated, and that is also right.
I want to reassure you that all of these behaviours are totally normal and adequate for proper hydration and nourishment during summertime. It will depend on the age of your baby, so keep in mind that especially newborns and babies under 3 months need to breastfeed frequently because their ability to regulate their body temperature is less, and they also need more liquid to stay hydrated.
Can I offer water?
If your baby is younger than 6 months, I do not recommend giving any water, basically because they don’t need it. As you may know, your milk will adjust to ensure that your baby is getting all the fluids needed to stay hydrated. And, it’s a fact that 88 % of your milk content is water.
Water does not have any calories or nutrition, which is one of the reasons why it is not recommended to give water. Your baby has a tiny stomach, so any water you give them will take the place of breastmilk. This means that they will drink less of your milk at their next feed.
My Top 5 Tips to make your breastfeeding journey more comfortable
We talked a lot about how to keep your baby hydrated, but what about you as a mother? What can we do to make you feel more comfortable, which will also translate into a more comfortable baby? Let’s have a look at my top 5 tips for staying cool and having a lovely breastfeeding time:
- Breastmilk: It’s all your baby needs, and remember that they may feed more frequently.
- Dress comfortably: Make sure you wear cool, loose clothing, and so should your baby. Try to avoid dark colours that will absorb sun rays.
- Stay hydrated: You may be thirstier as well, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
- Seek shade: Find shade when breastfeeding in public, and if you can’t find anything, make sure to cover yourself with a sun hat and use a light muslin to shade your baby.
- Timing is key: On really hot days, it’s a good idea to stay indoors during the sun’s peak.
In conclusion, breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience that provides the best nourishment for your baby, regardless of the season. By following these tips and being mindful of the challenges posed by summer weather, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding journey.
