What should you know about breastfeeding dehydration?

Milk production uses body fluid, while sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and missed drinks can increase losses. Early clues include thirst, dry mouth, headache, tiredness and urine that is darker or less frequent than usual. Breastfeeding itself does not automatically cause dehydration, but caring for a baby can make regular drinking and meals harder. [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) may also occur alongside [Gastroenteritis](/conditions/gastroenteritis/) or [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/).

Sit somewhere cool and take regular small sips of water. If fluid loss followed vomiting or diarrhoea, an oral rehydration drink may be more useful than water alone because it replaces salts as well as fluid. Continue breastfeeding if you feel able; there is usually no reason to discard milk solely because you are dehydrated. Eat light foods when appetite returns and ask for help with feeds and household tasks so you can rest. Monitor urine colour and frequency, but remember that supplements or some foods can also change urine appearance.

Arrange urgent assessment for confusion, fainting, marked weakness, a fast heartbeat, inability to drink, or very little urine. Seek advice if dark urine persists despite drinking, or if cloudy urine, burning, flank pain or fever suggests a urinary problem rather than simple dehydration. A clinician should also assess severe constipation or pain that could relate to [Kidney Stones](/conditions/kidney-stones/) or a [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/).

How much fluid loss might my symptoms represent? Do I need an oral rehydration product or examination? Could my urine changes point to another condition?