In a handout for physician's offices, I read the following:
(if breastfeeding is not going well)

"Remind mother to stay hyderated whenever breastfeeding the baby."

The above instruction is one of only four bullet points.
See it in context, below:

If there are signs breastfeeding is not going well, intervene
as necessary, (e.g., provide telephone and in-office support,
refer mother to a lactation specialist and/or support group).
In addition:
• Reinforce on-demand feeds – and no supplementation
– will increase milk supply.
• Remindmothers not to take formula samples, if offered.
• Remind mother to stay hydrated whenever
breastfeeding the baby.
• Discuss benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the
first 6 months of life, and the benefits of continued
breastfeeding through 12 months. Explore barriers,
work through solutions, and provide resources, support
and community referrals.

Question:  Is this an evidence based suggestion?  Is it an actual concern, so much so that it would be highlighted as the one bullet point in a list of four suggestions for when breastfeeding is not going well?

I hear this a lot- "Be sure you are drinking a lot of water."  But I don't believe this is a particularily pertinent help in troubleshooting a breastfeeding problem.  Remember to stay hyderated -sure-  always a good idea- but it has always seemed to me to be a rather vapid and meaningless suggestion, along the lines of:  "Wear a sweater or you might catch cold!"

Then you get mothers forcing excessive fluids.  And the breastfeeding problem never really gets addressed.  Or have I missed something?

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome