Communicating the Message “Don’t Give Water”
The following messages have been used in programs to convince
mothers, their families, and health workers that exclusively
breastfed infants do not need to be given water in the first six
months. The most effective ways of communicating the messages
depend on the audience and the practices, beliefs, concerns, and
constraints to good practices in a particular setting.
Make clear the meaning of exclusive breastfeeding
s Exclusive breastfeeding means giving only breastmilk. This
means no water, liquids, teas, herbal preparations, or foods
through the first six months of life. (It is important to name the
drinks and foods commonly given in the first six months. One
program found that women did not think the advice “do not
give water” applied to herbal teas or other fluids.)
Take ideas often associated with water and apply them to
colostrum
s Colostrum is the welcoming food for newborns. It is also the
first immunization, protecting a baby from illness.
s Colostrum cleans the newborn’s stomach. Sugar water is not
needed.
Explain why exclusively breastfed babies do not need water
s Breastmilk is 88 percent water.
s Every time a mother breastfeeds, she gives her baby water
through her breastmilk.
s Breastmilk has everything a baby needs to quench thirst and
satisfy hunger. It is the best possible food and drink that can be
offered a baby so the baby will grow to be strong and healthy.
Point out the risks of giving water
s
Giving water to babies can be harmful and cause diarrhea and
illness. Breastmilk is clean and pure and protects against
disease.
s An infant’s stomach is small. When the baby drinks water, there
is less room left for the nourishing breastmilk that is necessary
for the infant to grow strong and healthy.
Link good breastfeeding practices to adequate fluid intake
s When a mother thinks her baby is thirsty, she should breastfeed
immediately. This will give the baby all the water that is
needed.