How to encourage more fluids
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Topic: How to encourage more fluids
Posted By: bebebaby
Subject: How to encourage more fluids
Date Posted: 14 February 2011 at 10:29pm
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My DS is BF 3x a day, however my supply is next to nothing. He feeds for about 30 seconds.
But he won't take much other fluid. He refuses formula, and doesn't like cows milk-although I haven't pushed this too much as is only just 11 months. He averages about 100ml of water a day, sometimes less, occasionally more. His poos are squishy not hard. But his nappies are hardly wet. Ie could wear a cloth nappy for at least 10hrs I think. So how do I encourage him to drink more? I wish he could just drink a 200ml bottle of anything a day and water as he wants. That would so much more reasurring. Any ideas or suggestions? Or anyone else's child like this? ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: Anonymous55
Date Posted: 14 February 2011 at 11:03pm
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Did you try some no sugar fruit smoothies or icecubes to suck on? Sorry I can't remember.
It's a bit difficult because if he is definitely not dehydrated or suffering in any way from it then I suppose that's good and there's no health concern, IYKWIM? Have you tried different formulas? Also, are you sure he is pulling off because of your milk (supply)? |
Posted By: bebebaby
Date Posted: 14 February 2011 at 11:28pm
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oops I forgot the icecubes. He likes smoothies/fresh juice, but will only have a couple of sips.
Yup tried 4 different types of formula. And pretty sure about milk supply. Will try the icecubes, thanks M2H  ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: happymumma
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 7:50am
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Janini, my DD was like this over last winter but also refused milk and got quite dehydrated. My suggestions would be...continue in a relaxed way to offer formula / milk and water from different cups / bottles. When he takes a bit, praise him lots and hopefully he'll like that and catch on! Have you tried a straw? Some kids seem to like that because it's a bit more like a game. Also, I guess you will be offering a range of food textures so if you need to, give him nice sloppy fluid filled stuff to start with (that way you know he's had some) and then finger foods. Jelly, icecream, custard, fruit puree, thick vege soups are all good option. Also whatever the organic brand of baby food is does a couple of fruit gels in jars. If you are worried about dehydration I would check with your GP because the more reliable way to check it is capillary refill time (how quickly the blood refills empty capillaries) - they can show you how to do it properly. Lots of the other signs don't necessarily point specifically to dehydration so can be misleading. Good luck. I didn't really find an answer. When she was able to hold a bottle herself it stopped being an issue. |
Posted By: pudgy
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 12:56pm
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Try iceblocks, homemade ones with a little juice or lemonade ones.
DD likes ice cubes in those mesh feeders, just crush them a bit. Makes them easier to eat  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Shelt
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 1:09pm
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My DD is still a bit ho-hum about drinking much of anything most days. One thing I did do is take her out and let her choose a new drink bottle and a cup to drink out of. It worked for a little while till the novelty wore off. I have a range of drink bottles and cups for her now and I ask her to choose one each morning for her drink with her breakfast. She will usually drink a bit if she's been allowed to "control" the situation.
Also I don't really like giving her juice but I found if I put a splash of juice in some water it gives it a faint orange tinge and she thinks its juice so is more inclined to drink some. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 15 February 2011 at 10:46pm
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What about diluted cordial? -------------  |
Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 16 February 2011 at 8:05am
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Cordial is not recommended at this age. He really needs to be getting the milk into him. I would concentrate on re-building your breastmilk supply - it will only take 2-3 days.
Was there something, like teething or illness that triggered his decrease in feeding? Your supply WILL be low now since it works on supply and demand, ie- you produce to how much the baby is feedng, so cos he not feeding much your supply has decreased. You can increase your supply but eating more protein, eating almonds, drinking more water, and regularly expressing- like evry 2-3hrs in the day. After 2-3 days of this your supply will be up and you may find he feeds better. Would be worth a try since hes not getting milk from any other source and breastmilk is the best option anyway! Good luck! |
Posted By: bebebaby
Date Posted: 19 February 2011 at 11:12am
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Just wanted to follow up on this, have been away.
He does drink a bit more if there is a splash of juice in the water, its not ideal. But I figure its more important that he drinks. Kellz, I've tried blessed thistle and milk spray and it didn't work. I'm starting back at work p/t 2 days a week, so he needs to be able to drink something from others. I think since my supply has been low for a while, he's not used to drinking a large volume in one go. So only has sips of fluids. Thanks ladies for you help! ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">
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