Breastfeeding and keeping your baby safe in hot weather

☀️ Hot nights and sweaty days ☀️

How to Stay Cool When Breastfeeding in a Heatwave

Breastfeeding during a heatwave can be challenging for both you and your baby. But with a few smart strategies, you can keep both of you cooler, calmer, and safer. Here’s how:

Hydrate
Breastfeeding increases your body’s fluid needs. Add extreme heat to the mix, and you can become dehydrated quickly.

• Drink water before, during, and after feeds. Keep a large, reusable water bottle nearby at all times.

Wear Breathable Clothing
Choose loose, lightweight, and breathable clothing for both you and your baby.

• Cotton, bamboo, and linen fabrics are ideal.
• Nursing tops with easy access help minimize how much you need to uncover.

Create a Cool Feeding Environment
Find a cool comfortable spot where you can feed

• Use fans or air conditioning if available.
• Draw curtains during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight.

Change Positions
Skin-to-skin contact generates heat, so switch up how you breastfeed.

• Try laid-back positions or side-lying nursing where less of your bodies are pressed together.
• You might find baby more willing to nurse in shorter, more frequent sessions rather than long ones.

• Offer more frequent feeds — breast milk helps with hydration, especially during heatwaves

Rest When You Can
Heat can be draining — combine that with the demands of breastfeeding, and tiredness can creep in fast.

• Have a nap when your baby naps
• Avoid overexerting yourself during the hottest hours.

Heatwaves are tough, especially when you’re caring for a young baby. Focus on staying hydrated, keeping both of you cool, and creating a relaxing breastfeeding environment.

Here are some useful links and info for keeping you and baby cool and safe day and night.

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