Carrie Johnson revealed on Instagram that she was hospitalised for two nights for ‘severe dehydration’.
The new mum, who had her fourth child, Poppy, with former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, last month, urged breastfeeding mums to take extra care.
‘New mums make sure you eat and drink enough in this heat,’ she wrote. ‘Especially if your babe is cluster feeding.’
Carrie, 37, who also shares three older children, Wilfred, Romy and Frank, with Boris Johnson, said that this week had been ‘brutal’.
The mercury has certainly soared this week, with parts of the UK reaching temperatures of 31C.
And as the UK continues to bask in a heatwave, with the Met Office of the highest temperatures of 2025 so far, it’s important to remember that you’re more susceptible to dehydration when breastfeeding.
Dr Ellie Cannon, author of Keep Calm: The New Mum’s Manual, urges new mums to be mindful of their water intake.
‘This is especially true if you’re out and about with your baby, pushing a pram and carrying things,’ she tells Metro.
‘Plus, new mums tend to be very focused on their baby and are very tired, so perhaps aren’t always prioritising themselves.’
There are a few early signs and symptoms to look out for.
‘You might experience headaches, peeing less frequently than normal, a dry mouth, or noticing your urine is dark. These are all indicators you’re not drinking as much as you should be.’
But there are some steps breastfeeding mums can take to be extra careful.
‘It’s all about improving hydration,’ says Dr Ellie. ‘But you don’t need to become obsessed with drinking water — you can drink anything.
‘If you’re more likely to take on fluids if you’re drinking orange squash for example, that’s fine.
‘Just avoid a lot of caffeinated drinks as they they’re diuretic, so will actually make you pee more.’
And, there’s a few easy tips from Dr Ellie to stay hydrated.
Signs of dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:
- feeling thirsty
- dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
- peeing less often than usual
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- feeling tired
- a dry mouth, lips and tongue
- sunken eyes
Source: NHS
‘Get into a routine of having a drink next to you while you’re feeding,’ she says.
‘You can eat foods with a high water content, like cucumber or watermelon. Ice lollies are also great in hot weather.
‘Make sure you’re resting too, as you’re less likely to get dehydrated if you’re not using as much energy.’
Staying hydrated is beneficial for your baby too.
‘It helps to ensure you have a good breast milk supply,’ says Dr Ellie. ‘So it’s about caring for both mum and baby in the heat.’
FORMULA FOR CHANGE
Metro and the family support charity Feed have joined forces to call on the government to urgently review their infant formula legislation and give retailers the green light to accept loyalty points, all food bank vouchers and store gift cards as payment for infant formula.
Our aim is to make the Prime Minister aware this is an issue that can no longer be ignored. Every family has the right to affordable and accessible infant formula.
Since Formula For Change launched we have:
Seen our petition hit over 106,000 signatures
Been backed by the Labour party
Joined forces with Mumsnet and Iceland – the first supermarket to lower formula costs
Received vital support from Chris Webb MP
Seen the DHSC confirm that foodbanks have green light to supply formula and the CMA recommend that supermarkets allow loyalty points/vouchers to supply formula
For more information click here.
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