Extra fluids for breastfeeding mothers for increasing milk production

Area of Science:

• Human Lactation Research
• Infant Nutrition
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Breastfeeding is the biological norm, yet many mothers wean due to perceived low milk supply.
• Mothers are often advised to increase fluid intake to boost milk production, but evidence is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of increased fluid intake for breastfeeding mothers on milk production and infant growth.

Main Methods:

• Searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, MEDLINE, and African Journals Online.
• Included one quasi-randomised controlled trial (210 women) due to a lack of randomized controlled trials.
• Assessed studies for inclusion and quality independently.

Main Results:

• The single included study was of low quality with a high risk of bias.
• Extra fluids did not improve breast milk production, as measured by test feeds.
• No data were reported for infant weight gain, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, or other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Limited data from a low-quality study suggest extra fluids do not enhance breast milk production.
• The effect of additional fluids on breastfeeding outcomes remains largely unknown due to insufficient high-quality research.
• There is insufficient evidence to recommend increased fluid intake beyond physiological needs for breastfeeding mothers.