I'm finding this conversation interesting because it's something I struggle
with all the time.

>  On page 7 of the WHO/UNICEF publication Protecting, Promoting, and
>Supporting Breastfeeding, there is the statement that "under normal
>circumstances the neonate requires no water or other food whatsoever
during
>the first 2-4 days after birth while lactation is being initiated."

I guess I've always interpreted this as meaning that IF the baby is
breastfeeding and taking colostrum, that's enough, no additional water or
food is required.  I think Pat Drazin's question was in regards to a baby
who is NOT breastfeeding--how long can we wait for baby to initiate
feedings?  I don't think I'd wait 2-4 days if baby is NOT breastfeeding.
We tend to start feeding normal size/gestation babies at about 24 hrs. if
they're not feeding at the breast.

But then Pat Gima writes--
>I'll share a theory of mine.  I believe that, as others have said, there
is
>protection from fluid loss in the newborn "under normal circumstances."
>But if there is anything by mouth, such as water, the system is a "go," as
>in urine loss. . .  I work with a lot of babies born at home and they hold
>their fluid until feeding gets going.  I haven't seen any of them with
>signs of beginning dehydration.

I'm intrigued (!) and interested in what anyone else thinks.  If Pat has
seen 3-day-old non-breastfeeding babies who are not dehydrated I believe
her.  Because we start feeding non-breastfeeding babies at about 24 hrs. of
age in my hospital, if her theory is right, I would never see such a thing.
 I HAVE seen some dehydrated babies at 3 days of age who were theoretically
feeding (at the breast trying very hard but getting little) but maybe
because they were sucking they set everything in motion.  Hmmmmm.

Becky Krumwiede, RN, IBCLC, Appleton, WI
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