This is the second of a group of emails I wrote to a mom-to-be filled with advice on breastfeeding and life with a new baby. The first, Dear Mom-to-be, was about establishing a milk supply. This one is about knowing if baby is getting enough milk from breastfeeding.
Because so many parents use bottles and can see the milk being drunk, it can make some nervous to not be able to see the milk go strait from mom to baby during breastfeeding. Here’s what to look for to know if your baby is getting enough.
Signs that Baby’s getting enough breastmilk
Dear Mom-to-be,
Even when you nurse Baby early and often, it’s hard to tell how much milk they get since we can’t see the milk as it goes straight from our body to theirs. Here are some signs to watch for to help you know Baby is really getting fed.
–Output
- Day 1: at least 1 wet and 1 soiled diaper
- Day 2: at least 2 wet and 2 soiled diapers
- Day 3: at least 3 wet and 2 soiled diapers
- Day 4: at least 4 wet and 2 soiled diapers
- Day 5: at least 5 wet and 2 soiled diapers
- Day 6 to 1 month: at least 6 wet and 2 soiled diapers
-Once your milk “comes in” you should be able to see and hear signs of swallowing while Baby eats. Also, you can feel your breast get softer from before Baby feeds to after they’re done. Those are signs that Baby’s getting milk.
-Weight checks: Most babies lose a little weight the first few days of life, then they gain 5-7 ounces per week for the first 3 months. The World Health Organization has made some accurate growth charts for breadfed babies. (You can find those here. Remember that worldwide, breastfeeding is what’s normal for babies.)
Of course your pediatrician can help you check output and weight, but it’s nice to know anyway. If for some reason Baby isn’t getting enough, it could be due to a problem with latching or Baby’s mouth not working efficiently. If they aren’t getting enough the priorities would be to:
- Feed the Baby (supplement with expressed milk or formula).
- Protect the milk supply (keep breastfeeding often and express milk when Baby’s supplemented).
- Figure out the problem.
I hope that it all goes smoothly and you won’t have any problems to figure out! Chances are good that all will be well. Baby will be worth it either way.
Your friend, Anne
See the next post on Latch and Positioning.
