Parenting Tips: Breastfeeding Mothers Should Never Mix Their Breastmilk With Water

A couple was charged with killing their baby by diluting the breast milk. The couple mixed water to the breast milk to extend its volume, causing the infant's brain to swell.

The couple's 10-week-old daughter after she was fed with diluted breast milk as per She Knows. Her parents reportedly watered down the milk to increase its volume. The diluted breast milked depleted her electrolyte levels which caused her brain to swell. The intense brain damage eventually caused her death.

Herbert George Landell, 26 and Lauren Heather Frusted, 25 were arrested on Wednesday. Landell was faced with "felony murder" and "aggravated battery" while Frusted was charged with first- and second-degree cruelty to children. The couple were ineligible for bond as reported by USA Today. 

According to experts, infants should not drink water until they'd reach six months of age. Idaho's WIC, which is the state's breastfeeding coordinator made it clear that adding water into the breast milk eliminates its nutritional values.

"Babies are growing so rapidly and breast milk and other infant formulas are designed to meet those specific needs, calorie needs and nutrient needs that babies have and when breast milk or other infant foods are diluted, then it decreases that caloric value," Marlee Harris told the reporters. "

It was also mentioned that WIC does not only provide guidelines and protection towards women, they also provide experts advice on breastfeeding and child care. They encourage mothers to feed the child breast milk to provide the infant's nutritional needs.

"WIC also provides breastfeeding experts who can really make sure that breastfeeding is going well," Harris added. "There's the encouragement that a woman needs in order to meet her needs and her baby's needs."

Experts suggest that breast milk should not be diluted by any liquid as it already holds the ideal nutrients. There are no medical reasons to add any form of liquid to breast milk. Do let us know your thoughts about the benefits of breast milk, and as well as your opinion on the news article.