Western Sydney University
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
IYCF-E Consultant
Normal 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
IYCF-E Consultant
Normal 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
IYCF-E Consultant
Normal 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.”