Related Experiment Videos
Do babies need water in Sri Lanka?
M P Senanayake1, H Weerawarna, K W Karunaratne
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
The Ceylon Medical Journal
|February 17, 2000
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended, even in hot climates. Supplementing breast milk with water is common but unnecessary for infants aged 1-4 months, as exclusively breastfed infants maintain hydration effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
- Public Health
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for infant health.
- Cultural practices and advice from relatives often influence infant feeding.
- Understanding infant hydration needs in diverse climates is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding.
- To identify reasons for water supplementation in infants.
- To assess the necessity of water supplementation for infants in Colombo's humid climate.
Main Methods:
- A study of 200 breastfed infants (1-4 months) at a well-baby clinic.
- Mothers' feeding knowledge recorded via questionnaire.
- Infant physiological parameters (weight, length, temperature, urine osmolality) measured; environmental conditions recorded.
Main Results:
- 69% of mothers supplemented fluids due to traditional advice, thirst, or minor ailments.
- 90% of mothers attended antenatal clinics; 70% knew the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
- No significant differences in infant hydration markers (urine osmolality) between exclusively breastfed and supplemented infants.
Conclusions:
- Most mothers supplemented breast milk despite hospital guidance.
- Grandmother's advice significantly impacted early feeding practices.
- Exclusively breastfed infants maintained adequate water homeostasis in a hot, humid environment.