In a message dated 98-04-18 23:45:31 EDT, you write:
<< Subject: aarrgghhh - Water and breastfed babies >>

I cut out an article from a local paper, and give this to the moms I see. I
quote:

WATER CAN BE DANGEROUS TO HEALTH OF BABIES
  Giving water to  babies during the first month of their lives is not only
unnecessary, but can be dangerous to their health, according to researchers
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 25% of 1,677 women
participating in a nationwide Infant Feeding Practices Survey reported
supplementing their babies' diet with water at least three times per week
during the first month of life.
  Medical experts say that during the nursing period, babies get enough water
from human milk or formula and do not need extra water, except in hot weather.
Babies given too much water are at risk for "oral water toxification." This
occurs when the sodium level in their blood falls too low and can cause loss
of consciousness, abnormally low blood temperatures, bloating and seizures.
This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York

Roni Chastain, RN, FACCE