There is still a lot of summer ahead and many hot days. Experts point out that precisely high temperatures can affect breastfeeding, making it difficult for mother and baby to enjoy the moment in a comfortable and relaxed way.
Therefore, if your breastfeeding has just begun or is the first summer you live breastfeeding, take a look at these tips that we offer and that you They will help you continue to enjoy your breastfeeding, despite the heat.
Now, more than ever, breastfeeding on demand
The concept of "breastfeeding on demand" should prevail whenever we choose to breastfeed our children, but in summer it becomes more essential if possible. And because their metabolism is faster than that of adults, children are at greater risk of dehydration with high temperatures, so it is essential to help you replenish frequently the mineral salts lost through sweat.
Eliminate strict schedules and controlled shots, and offer chest freely and on demand, will prevent our little one from suffering from dehydration due to heat.
Interpret the thirst cues
But in addition to offering the breast on demand to our baby, also It is important to know how to interpret the signals that may indicate that you are thirsty: nodding, puts his hand to his mouth, sticks out his tongue ... If they occur, we must give it a new shot preventing the baby from crying.
In summer, with the heat, it is normal for them to be more thirsty and need more water, so babies tend to increase the frequency of shots adding to the usual ones, others of shorter duration and distributed throughout the day.
In addition, it is convenient to remember that if our baby is less than six months old and is breastfeeding on demand, it will not be necessary to offer bottle water, since breast milk is composed of 88 percent water, so at the same time Feeds is also hydrating.
Hydrated baby ... mom too!
In the same way that the baby can become dehydrated, mothers can also suffer this episode if they do not replenish fluids frequently. Therefore, during breastfeeding it is especially important that the mother has a balanced diet and proper hydration, especially in the hottest season.
It is common for women to experience more thirst than usual during breastfeeding. This is due to the amount of water that is lost through the production of breast milk. Not surprisingly, 88 percent of breast milk is water.
The nursing mother should Drink approximately two and a half liters and three liters of water daily, something that will surely be very simple (especially in hot weather) because the body itself will ask for it through the sensation of thirst.
Choose the right place to breastfeed
Any place might seem good to breastfeed our son when he demands it, but while it is important to immediately satisfy his need, also We must check that the place is the most suitable.
If the shot catches you away from home, look for a place sheltered from the sun and as cool as possible. Also, remember to cover your baby's head with a cap, and give sunscreen cream.
And if you are at home, you will surely know the rooms of your home that are cooler and more comfortable to enjoy taking without excess heat. Of course, if you have an air conditioner, remember the importance of not exposing your baby directly to the air flow.
Remember that it is very important that both you and your baby feel comfortable and relaxed so that breastfeeding flows without complications. Therefore, the environment and temperature are keys to achieve that feeling of well-being.Most of these recommendations They are also applicable if you are giving the bottle to your baby, because heat and high temperatures affect children equally.
Some time ago, Armando told us about the importance of giving the bottle on demand, and now in summer we can offer more shots, reducing the amount of them, to quench your thirst and maintain proper hydration. Remember, in addition, that infants under six months do not need extra water, either breastfed or bottle fed. In the same way, it is essential to keep them cool and find the most suitable place for the time of taking.
Photos | iStock, Pixabay
Via | Medela
