By Emeka Blast 
Carrie Johnson highlights dehydration risks for mothers from hospital.
Carrie Johnson, wife of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, issued a heartfelt warning to breastfeeding mothers about the risks of dehydration during the ongoing heatwave, following her own hospitalization. The 37-year-old mother of four shared a candid Instagram post on Friday evening, June 27, from her hospital bed, cradling her five-week-old daughter, Poppy Eliza Josephine, born on May 21, 2025. Johnson revealed she was admitted for two nights due to severe dehydration, an unexpected ordeal she described as “not on my postpartum bingo card.”
In her post, Johnson urged breastfeeding mothers to prioritize adequate hydration and nutrition, particularly during cluster feeding and the current high temperatures, which are expected to exceed 30°C this weekend. “Breastfeeding mums, make sure you eat and drink enough in this heat, especially if your babe is clusterfeeding,” she wrote. Her message aligns with NHS guidance, which advises new mothers to keep fluids nearby while breastfeeding to prevent dehydration, symptoms of which include thirst, dark urine, dizziness, and fatigue.
Johnson’s week was compounded by additional challenges, including mastitis and her daughter’s reflux, which she described as “brutal.” In a follow-up post, she expressed gratitude to the NHS for their care and to followers for their supportive messages and advice on managing reflux, noting, “It made me feel way less alone going through it all.” The outpouring of support on social media, including posts on X, highlighted public concern and empathy, with some users referencing long A&E waits and the importance of hydration during heatwaves.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England, effective until 6 pm Tuesday, warning of significant impacts on health services. A yellow alert covers Yorkshire, Humber, and the West Midlands. The National Pharmacy Association also advised keeping medicines below 25°C and staying hydrated, reinforcing Johnson’s message.
Johnson’s experience underscores the heightened risks for postpartum women during extreme weather, particularly those breastfeeding, as the NHS notes babies may require more frequent feeds in hot conditions, increasing maternal fluid needs. Her warning serves as a timely reminder as the UK braces for another heatwave.
