Sunday, January 03, 2010, 23:30
Succumbed to... Water
After insisting on not giving water to Stevlynn, i finally succumbed to the naggings and ramblings of the elders and strangers and gave her a few drops of water :( When i mean few drops, it's basically dropping water on her lips for her to lick it up. And anyway she has a mind of her own, we can't force her what she does not want, and water is something she does not want.
For newborns (especially under 4-5 weeks), water supplements can be risky
Babies under two months should not be given supplemental water.
Water supplements are associated with increased bilirubin levels in jaundiced newborns.
Too much water can lead to a serious condition called oral water intoxication.
Water supplements fill baby up without adding calories, so water supplements can result in weight loss (or insufficient weight gain) for the baby.
Babies who get water supplements are less interested in nursing. If baby is not nursing as often as he should, it will take longer for mom's milk to come in and can delay or prevent mom from establishing an optimum milk supply.
For babies past the newborn stage
Too much water can interfere with breastfeeding because it fills baby up so that he nurses less. Babies need the nutrition and calories in breastmilk to grow - water has none of these.
Breastmilk has all the water your baby needs, even in very hot weather.
When your 4-6 month old baby is learning to use a cup, giving him a few sips of water a couple of times a day (no more than 2 ounces per 24 hours) is fine and fun.
Once baby starts solids, you might want to give him a few sips of expressed milk or water with his solids - some babies need this to prevent constipation.
Whilst i'm still very undecided on giving water, i am trying it out (a few drops of water 3 times a day after feeds) to try and clear her rash up. The elders and strangers believe she is having 'heat rash' cuz i am not giving her water and only breastmilk, and i'm 'heaty' which is why. Well, i'm desperate enough to try anything to CLEAR her rash
