Breastfeeding Through the Seasons
Breastfeeding is a journey that shifts and evolves just like the weather. And here in Australia, the seasons can be extreme — from scorching summers and humidity spikes to crisp winter mornings. Understanding how each season affects both you and your baby can make feeding more comfortable, more intuitive, and a little more predictable.
With December marking the start of the Australian summer, it’s the perfect time to tune into what your body needs and how to support your feeding routine during the hottest months of the year.
Breastfeeding in the Australian Summer (December – February)
Summer is often the toughest season for breastfeeding mums. Hot days, warm nights and lots of skin-to-skin contact can make feeding feel sticky, sweaty and uncomfortable — especially when your little one notices the heat too.
How Hot Weather Affects Breastfeeding
Your Baby May Feed More Often
Just like adults, babies get thirstier in warm weather. Many mums notice their babies take shorter, more frequent feeds on hot days — this is totally normal.
Breastmilk Actually Changes to Suit the Heat
Here are a few fascinating breastfeeding facts for summer:
Breastmilk naturally adjusts its water content.
When the weather is hotter, your milk can become slightly more “hydrating” — lighter, more watery and perfect for quenching your baby’s thirst.
Your baby signals these changes.
Frequent “snacking” feeds send hormonal messages to your body to produce higher-water milk for hydration and comfort.
The foremilk/hindmilk balance shifts.
In the heat, babies often take in more foremilk, which is naturally higher in water and designed to cool and hydrate.
Temperature regulation happens through feeding.
Skin-to-skin and feeding help your baby regulate their body temperature, and your milk adjusts as part of this incredible system.
Your body truly knows what your baby needs — especially in summer.
Breastfeeding in the Australian summer can feel intense — but your body is incredibly smart. Your milk adapts, your baby adapts, and with a few tweaks to your routine and clothing, feeding in the heat can become easier and more comfortable.
