Dry Breasfeeding

During the first few days of breastfeeding my Baby Fiel, I was concerned about her water intake. I usually let her have water after breastfeeding her. So I always have a bottle with distilled water beside me every time I breastfeed her.

But then, I became worried again because whenever I give her water she chokes. So I thought that the nipple I'm using for her has a very large hole that makes the water flow out in larger quantity than she could swallow.

But after changing the nipple with a smaller hole, she still chokes on it. Then I used medicine dropper to give her water. She only chokes occasionally with it so I thought that the choking will completely disappear when she get used to drinking water.

When my niece, who is a nurse, happen to visit us, I mentioned to her about my baby's choking incidents with water. She suggested not to give water anymore. She explained that breastmilk contains everything that my baby needs in order to stay healthy. It's called dry breastfeeding where no water or other liquid is given to the baby as food.

She explained further that milk, especially breastmilk, contains enzymes that make it slippery so it can be easily swallowed even by newborn babies. Water does not have these enzymes so my baby is having a difficult time swallowing water.

So now, I just give my baby my milk and nothing more. As I can see, she is growing very healthy and beautiful.