Hydration needs during breast-feeding.

Introduction: Many women stop breastfeeding their newborns because of their subjective perception of a low and insufficient milk supply. Sometimes mothers increase fluid intake hoping that this could improve milk production, based on the popular belief that recommends without any evidence that increasing fluid intake increases milk production. Objective: To determine if fluid intake in lactating mother increases milk production. Method: A descriptive study of the available evidence, using as tools for data collection the literature reviews from Cuiden database, Medline, Cochrane and Science. Results: only a small controlled (210 women) study was found. The trial was of poor quality and did not report significant results. The study showed that extra fluid intake did not lead to increased milk production. Conclusions: The effect of extra fluid intake in breastfeeding mothers is unknown due to the lack of well-conducted trials. The physiological basis for any improvement is not yet clear. There is insufficient evidence to support that an increase in fluid intake in breastfeeding mothers may be required to meet their physiological needs and satisfy their thirst.