The vital role of Hydration in Breastfeeding

Human milk consists of approximately 88% water ¹Erdman J, Appel L. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, choride and sulfate. Institute of Medicine. Washington. 2005: 93-185 , making hydration essential for both mothers and infants. With over 50 years of expertise in human milk research, our scientists explain why drinking the right amount of water is so important during the breastfeeding period.

The Science Behind Hydration and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for infants, offering a myriad of health benefits²Erdman J, Appel L. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, choride and sulfate. Institute of Medicine. Washington. 2005: 93-185 . Given that human milk is composed of approximately 88% water, maintaining proper hydration not only ensures that infants receive optimal nourishment, but also helps mothers preserve their energy levels and overall health.

The ‘time between feedings’ refers to the interval or frequency of breastfeeding sessions³Kent JC, Mitoulas LR, Cregan MD, Ramsay DT, Doherty DA, Hartmann PE. “Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day.” Pediatrics. 2006 … Continue reading . This timing is influenced by the two stages of breastfeeding: foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk, characterized by a higher water content, plays a crucial role in hydration – a factor of paramount importance especially in warmer climates. Hindmilk, which is richer in fat, ensures that the infant remains satiated for extended periods.⁴Ballard O, Morrow AL. “Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors.” Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):49-74. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.10.002. PMID: 23178060; PMCID: … Continue reading Various factors, including specific components present in human milk, can have an impact on these feeding intervals. However, a comprehensive understanding of these influences requires further research. ⁵Khan S, Hepworth AR, Prime DK, Lai CT, Trengove NJ, Hartmann PE. “Variation in fat, lactose, and protein composition in breast milk over 24 hours: associations with infant feeding … Continue reading

In a previous scientific review, researchers revealed that the production of breastmilk experiences a gradual increase over time. By the time a mother reaches six months postpartum, the daily production of breastmilk is around 750mL. To fulfill this demand, it becomes essential for mothers to increase their water consumption by about 35% per day.⁶Hydration in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Scientific Review of the Role and Importance of Water During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.” from Hydration for Health.

Benefits of Hydration for Mothers and Infants

For mothers:

• Helps mothers sustain their energy levels and overall health.
• Adequate water intake can counterbalance the water loss experienced through breastfeeding, thereby ensuring a healthy equilibrium of bodily fluids.

For Infants:

• Proper hydration helps produce nutrient-rich milk, which is essential for infant brain development and overall growth.
• Hydrated mothers can better produce enough milk to meet their infants’ needs.
  

  The Nutrient Symphony of Human Milk

According to Bernd Stahl, Director of Human Milk Research & Analytical Science at Danone Research & Innovation: “Human milk a complex, harmonious blend of proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and other vital components. Therefore, maintaining optimal hydration is key for infants to receive the necessary nutrients through breast milk.”

Juliane Zemdegs, Hydration Science Team Leader, emphasizes: “Proper hydration is crucial for breastfeeding women as water needs increase. However, many women do not consume enough water. Since breastfeeding is a time when women are particularly health conscious and interact regularly with healthcare professionals, this is a great opportunity to help them stay adequately hydrated.”

Join the Journey: Support Hydration for Health

Nurturing healthy hydration habits during the breastfeeding period is a simple yet powerful way to care for mother and child. We believe that by supporting mothers with science-backed knowledge, we’re contributing towards a healthier future for both.

For more information visit the Hydration for Health website and join the hydration conversation through their social channels: LinkedIn, X, Instagram.

To learn more about our research on human milk access: https://www.danoneresearch.com/human-milk-research/