Normal user
16 Nov 2019, 05:41
Hi,
I was wondering if someone here could tell me if there is a recommendation on how much water be allocated to lactating women in hot weather?
Thank you
Karleen
Save the Children
Frequent user
19 Nov 2019, 08:57
Hi Karleen
Sadly the Sphere Standards don't specify the additional needs of this group, but they do indicate that the minimum basic survival water intake (drinking and food) is 2.5 - 3 litres/person/day - to be adapted based on climate and individual physiology. This feeds into the standard of a minimum average allocation of 15 litres per person per day for drinking and domestic hygiene. More guidance in the Sphere Standards.
Isabelle
Save the Children
Frequent user
19 Nov 2019, 12:09
Hi Karleen,
In addition to the above, the below resource (p. 22) specifies that PLWs should receive an additional 1 litre / day of drinking water.
https://www.unhcr.org/45fa745b2.pdf
Hope that helps,
Isabelle
Save the Children
Frequent user
19 Nov 2019, 12:55
And linking to the above (additional 1L / day), the Institute of Medicine notes that the median amount of fluids typically consumed by breastfeeding mothers is 3.1 liters (13 cups), compared to 2.2 liters/9 cups for non-pregnant/lactating women.
https://www.nap.edu/read/10925/chapter/6#153
"Given the extreme variability in water needs that are not solely based on differences in metabolism, but also in environmental conditions and activity, there is not a single level of water intake that would ensure adequate hydration and optimal health for half of all apparently healthy persons in all environmental conditions… the AI [Adequate Intake] does not represent a requirement; it is an amount that should meet the needs of almost everyone in the specific life stage group under the conditions described.”