Lactation on demand in response to high temperatures
Photo: ISTOCK Enlarge photoAt this time of summer where extreme temperatures can be reached, it is very important to take care of the baby's hydration. The lactation maternal demand is the best tool we can have, according to the Dr. Leticia Ruiz, specialist in neonatology of the Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Madrid, during the World Breastfeeding Week.
In summer and especially on very hot days, the baby sweats more and needs to replace the water that his body has lost. In this sense the lactation It can be a good solution and offer the breast whenever the child wants. It is even recommended to increase the frequency of the shots, with a maximum time between each shot 2.5-3h, is a preventive measure that mothers must know to avoid dehydration in children. "It should be remembered, especially the first days, that the best stimulus for the rise and increase of milk volume is suction," says the doctor.
Breast milk practically in its 90% is composed by Water, so it quenches his thirst perfectly. In addition, breastfeeding also provides the child with salts and nutrients necessary to avoid dehydration, says Dr. Ruiz.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits. The first one is that it contributes to sustainable development as indicated by the motto of the 2016 campaign promoted by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding together with the WHO and UNICEF, since it allows to conserve natural resources and at the same time saving healthcare resources. The latter is related to the fact that babies fed with breast milk they get sick less, and when they do, they have a speedy recovery.
But not only the baby is the one who benefits from breastfeeding, the mother also benefits, who can recover before pregnancy and childbirth thanks to the process of breastfeeding. As well decreases the risk of suffering from breast and ovarian cancer, at the same time that it helps to achieve great emotional well-being.
In the case of the baby, in addition to the aforementioned, breastfeeding has multiple benefits ranging from needs nutritional to emotional:
- Covers the needs nutritional and hydration of the baby.
- Protects you from infections and allergies.
- Is more digestible than other foods.
- Prevents the baby from possible dental problems.
- Predisposes the child to good eating habits in the future.
- Prevents against obesity, hypertension, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and many other diseases.
- Strengthens the affective bond between mother and son.
Symptoms of dehydration in a baby
Although carrying out a lactation on demand the baby it is protected, it is also important to know the dehydration symptoms in case it was necessary to go to the doctor. The following aspects must be taken into account, as Dr. Ruiz points out:
- Wet less diapers per day, it can take up to 8 hours without getting it wet.
- The color of the urine is darker (orange)
- The most sleepy child and it even costs to wake up for the shots.
- Make the suctions without strength and even falls asleep during them.
- Cry without tears.
- Your oral mucosa is dry or pasty.
Marina Berrio
Advice:Dr. Leticia Ruiz, specialist in neonatology of the Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Madrid
It may interest you:
- Breastfeeding: tips for summer- Breastfeeding increases baby's intelligence
- Complementary feeding of the baby
- 3 keys to breastfeeding
