u/calming-crayon

Hi, I’m 6 months PP and returning to work in another month. My baby has been EBF so far. I am hoping to put my baby in the office crèche and looking to pump for the times I will be away in meetings etc. I still want to continue to breastfeed while I’m at home with the baby and 2 or 3 times during office hours at the crèche. So it’s really only for backup that I’m looking to pump (yet I guess I’ll have to do it everyday for at least 1 or 2 feeds coz I never know when will be a busy day at work). We have started solids recently but I really wish to breastfeed in a truly baby led weaning way (as long as my baby wants, and not replace with solids). I am looking to pump at office also if needed, so something portable and handy. Please suggest if a wearable pump will be a good idea. Suggest brands please.

Hi, I live in a place where summer temperatures usually reach around 40°C. Although the weather has cooled slightly due to recent rains, this level of heat is quite new for us, and even I am still adjusting to it.

On consulting my family doctor (also a child specialist) on managing the heat for my 4.5-month-old baby, he suggested giving about one spoon of coconut water diluted with water about once a day. I understand this can be a controversial recommendation, but I wanted to mention exactly what was advised.

Yesterday, I personally experienced severe dehydration and required IV fluids. That has made me more concerned about my baby’s hydration in this heat.

I’m now considering whether I should follow the doctor’s advice and give the diluted coconut water instead. I am aware of general guidance on fluids, such as WHOs exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, even in hot climates.

Adding to this, my baby’s condition -

- currently coming out of the 4–5 month sleep regression and has just started sleeping longer stretches at night, say around 6–8 hours. During the day, she barely naps at all. Because of this, I’m quite hesitant to wake her up at night for feeds, as I’m worried it might disrupt her sleep pattern.

- just recovered from heat boils all over body.

Given this, I’m unsure how to interpret the advice I received.

My question:

In a situation of extreme heat and especially considering my own dehydration episode and my baby’s longer night stretches is there any evidence-based justification for giving small amounts of coconut water (diluted or otherwise) to a 4.5-month-old? Or is the safer approach still to rely solely on breast milk/formula, even if that means adjusting feeding patterns?Also does my hydration levels affect the baby’s?