Breastfed babies may become dehydrated

When breastfeeding is not properly established, the baby may become dehydrated and levels of sodium in its blood can become excessive, according to a study published this week. The condition is relatively common but can be difficult to recognize.

In the journal Pediatrics, clinicians explain that so-called “hypernatremic dehydration” in newborns arises from the inadequate transfer of breast milk from mother to infant. Poor milk drainage from the breasts leading to persistently high sodium concentrations in milk may worsen sodium levels in the infant.

According to Dr. Michael L. Moritz of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, “New mothers, especially first-time mothers, may have difficulty producing an adequate supply of breast milk in the first week after birth because of physiological issues or because the baby may not be able to latch on properly.”

Pediatricians and parents need to be aware that when this occurs, the risk of dehydration is much higher than previously assumed, he continued.

“If infants are becoming dehydrated, we strongly recommend that the breast milk be supplemented with formula or breast milk from another source,” Moritz said.

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