When temperatures rise, many new mothers wonder whether heat can impact their breastfeeding or their baby’s needs. Good news: breast milk is perfectly suited to hot weather. It continues to provide your baby with everything they need, including hydration.
Discover our tips for continuing your breastfeeding journey with peace of mind during the summer.
Key takeaways:
• Breast milk naturally hydrates your baby, even in very hot weather.
• Feedings may be more frequent in summer: this is completely normal.
• Stay well hydrated to support your body.
• Choose lightweight and breathable clothing for greater comfort.
• Opt for cool environments during breastfeeding sessions.
Table of contents
- Breast milk hydrates your baby
- More frequent feedings in summer
- The importance of staying hydrated
- Choosing the right clothing
- Breastfeeding in a cool environment
- Skin-to-skin contact in summer
- Signs to watch for
- Key takeaways
Breast milk naturally hydrates your baby
Breast milk is made up of approximately 87% water. Its composition naturally evolves during a feeding and adapts to your baby’s needs.
At the beginning of a feeding, the milk is richer in water and helps quench your baby’s thirst. Toward the end, it becomes richer in fats to meet their nutritional needs.
For exclusively breastfed babies, it is generally not necessary to offer water, even in hot weather, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
In summer, it is normal for your baby to nurse more often
Do you feel like your baby is feeding more often in hot weather? This is completely normal.
In summer, babies tend to have shorter but more frequent feedings. They come to the breast both to hydrate and to feed.
Let your baby nurse on demand: this is the best way to naturally meet their needs.
Make sure you stay well hydrated
While your milk meets your baby’s needs, your body needs to stay well hydrated to compensate for heat-related losses.
During periods of high temperatures, it is recommended to drink regularly throughout the day. Keep a bottle of water nearby while breastfeeding and choose a diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, naturally high in water.
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Choose lightweight and breathable clothing
A mother’s comfort is essential to fully enjoy breastfeeding moments.
Opt for clothing made from natural fabrics that are breathable, such as organic cotton, cotton gauze, or Cupro EcoVero®, a fluid and lightweight fabric often referred to as “vegetable silk”.
At Cache Cœur, several pieces are particularly pleasant to wear during summer:
• The Bertille nursing shirt, made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton gauze, is ideal for a walk, a day at the beach, or for easy breastfeeding thanks to its buttoned opening.
• The Nubie maternity shorts, made from a fluid Cupro EcoVero® twill, provide a fresh feeling and adapt to body changes thanks to their elasticated smocked waistband.
Comfortable clothing helps make breastfeeding moments more enjoyable, even in hot weather.
Choose cool places for breastfeeding
A few simple habits can make breastfeeding more comfortable:
• choose a ventilated or naturally cool room;
• close shutters during the hottest hours;
• go out early in the morning or in the evening;
• avoid prolonged exposure between 12 pm and 4 pm.
These habits improve comfort for both mother and baby.
Skin-to-skin contact is still possible
Skin-to-skin contact still offers many benefits, even in summer.
If it’s very hot, you can simply adapt it:
• choose the coolest times of the day;
• settle in the shade or in a temperate room;
• place a thin cotton cloth between you if the heat becomes uncomfortable.
What signs should alert you?
Even though breast milk perfectly meets your baby’s needs, it is important to monitor your baby during heatwaves.
Consult a healthcare professional quickly if your baby:
• wets far fewer diapers;
• seems unusually sleepy or difficult to wake;
• has a high fever;
• refuses to nurse in an unusual way.
If in doubt, always seek advice from your doctor or midwife.
Key takeaways
Summer should not be a barrier to breastfeeding. On the contrary, breast milk remains the ideal food to hydrate and nourish your baby, even in very hot weather.
To experience this period more comfortably:
• breastfeed on demand;
• stay well hydrated;
• choose lightweight and breathable clothing;
• look for cool environments for feeding;
• listen to your body and your baby.
At Cache Cœur, we design maternity clothing and lingerie to support women throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum, so that every moment remains synonymous with comfort and serenity, in every season.
