Breastfeeding and pumping can be exhausting! Add in the summer heat and you have a recipe for sweaty stress.
As we are sure you know, your breast milk supply can be affected by so many factors in your life: sleep, hormones, food, and hydration. But did you know that hot weather can affect your supply too?
How Does Weather Affect Breast Milk Supply?
Okay, the truth is, it’s not really the weather that affects your supply. It’s your hydration level. When the temperature rises, our bodies naturally sweat more. We need more water to help keep us hydrated.
You already need to be drinking more water than normal when you are breastfeeding. Add the extra heat, and you have a quick recipe for disaster if you are not careful.
One of the best ways to help maintain and boost your milk supply is to stay hydrated. This is especially important in the warmer months, when you are more likely to be outside and distracted from your normal routine.
How Do Babies Stay Hydrated in Hot Weather?
When we as human beings are hot, our go-to is water (well, it should be). But did you know that babies under the age of 6 months should not drink water?! Their bodies simply don’t know what to do with it.
So, what do they do? They get their hydration from their milk.
While you may not think of breast milk as being hydrating, it has a high water content. Breast milk transitions through different stages of being more creamy or watery. Your body will provide a higher water content to your milk in hotter months to ensure your baby is properly hydrated.
Amazing, right?!
If your baby is not breastfed, do not worry. Formula has a hydrating water content and will give your baby what is needed! If you are concerned about their hydration and your baby is eating solids or is older than six months, you could always offer hydrating fruits or small sips of cool water!
How Do I Know If My Baby is Dehydrated?
Keeping your baby cool is a top priority when you are outside in warm or hot weather!
Even with the latest stroller fan, linen onesies, and UV-blocking stroller canopies, there is a risk of your baby becoming dehydrated. Recognizing the signs of dehydration early is crucial for your baby’s health.
Some signs of infant dehydration are:
- Not wetting or pooping in their diaper
- Irregular irritability or fatigue
- Sunken fontanelle “soft spot”
- Not producing tears while crying
If you think your baby is dehydrated, call your doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor can provide the best course of action based on your child’s medical history.
If you and your doctor are confident in your baby receiving care at home, you may try:
- Offering small sips of a rehydrating solution frequently
- Placing a cool rag on their head and chest to help them cool down
- Offering a bottle or breast frequently, as long as baby is not vomiting persistently
If your baby refuses to drink or seems to be getting worse, call your doctor urgently. Your baby may need to go into a hospital to receive fluids and assist in rehydrating their body.
Keep Your Cool With Willow Pump
Hello, Willow! Our cordless, fully in-bra design will help keep you pumping on your adventures without having to miss any of the memories! With two amazing pumps to choose from, you will have no problem finding your perfect fit. Not sure which Willow pump is right for you? We made a pump comparison, just for you!
We are not just here to sell you life-changing pumps. We are here to support you along your journey. Check out our blog full of resources to accompany you on your feeding journey – whatever it may look like!
