My baby girl is now three months old. Is it ok to provide about 20 ml plain water daily? I currently provide breast milk and top feed (Lactogen) as I do not have sufficient breast milk. My paediatrician has advised me to start providing about 20 ml plain water daily and then slowly increase it to 100 ml.

Another paediatrician told me not to provide water at all during the first six months. With so much conflicting advice, I'm really puzzled. Please could you let me know whether plain water should be provided to my baby, how often it should be provided and when it should be provided?

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been breastfeeding my baby and top feeding it with the formula Lactogen (as advised by my paediatrician) since it was born since I do not have adequate breast milk. Ever since I started breastfeeding my baby, I noticed that it always used to cry heavily. My paediatrician thus suggested that I add Lactogen in addition to providing breast milk. My paediatrician also recommended Lactare, Mama Protinex and Lactonic granules for improved lactation. I consumed these for just two weeks and then stopped because I found them too expensive. I also tried natural remedies like drinking garlic mixed with milk, fenugreek and beetroot juice. But nothing is helping me to increase my breast milk production.

In addition, I suffer from perennial allergic rhinitis (dustmite allergy and allergy to cold drinks, milk and artificial food and drinks). Since I'm highly allergic to milk, I have to avoid it. I am now taking soymilk, oatmilk and almond milk. However, my breast milk is just not adequate. My baby is now three months old. It consumes my breastmilk only for about a minute now and then it starts to cry heavily.

I really wish to provide breastmilk only and avoid formula feed for my baby. Please help me by suggesting how I can increase my breastmilk production.