Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?
Hey there! Is my baby getting enough breast milk ? Well, this is the million dollar question and definitely one of my most frequently asked questions and with very good reason! It may seem difficult sometimes to know exactly how much your baby is getting, because you can’t see how much is going in. But, really it is much easier to tell than you may think.
With some patience and knowledge of a few simple things, you will feel confident to know that your baby is getting enough and also that he or she is very pleased with her mommy’s hard work and dedication. If you can check these things off, then you and your baby are doing great! No more worrying and wondering, just relax and enjoy this amazing time with your baby.
Is my baby getting enough breast milk?
- Your baby is latched correctly.
- Your baby is having 6-8 wet diapers daily after day 4.
- Your baby is having several bowel movements daily, although this changes as the baby grows. During the first couple of days, your baby will have a black sticky stool known as meconium, then as your milk starts to transition into a thicker more “milky” consistency, the stool will transition as well. By day 4, your baby should be having yellow, loose, seedy stools and it is not uncommon for a baby to have a bowel movement every time he or she nurses. But, as your baby grows, he or she may have less stools per day but is still showing signs of growing appropriately. You can discuss with your pediatrician what is normal for your baby.
- Your baby is gaining weight sufficiently. In the first few days in the hospital, it is normal for your baby to lose a little bit. As long as he or she doesn’t lose more than 10% of their birthweight, then you and your baby are on the right track. After your milk comes in, your baby should be gaining 1/2 to 1 ounce daily and by two weeks of age, your baby should be back to birth weight.
- Your baby is nursing as least 8-12 times in a 24 hour period.
- Your baby is actively eating not sleeping at the breast. You can watch when your baby first latches on, he or she will suck vigorously until the milk ejection reflex begins or “let down” and then his or her suck will change and slow down. You will be able to see and hear your baby swallowing. You will not feel this let down during the first couple of days at the hospital but most women feel the milk ejection reflex after day 3 to 5.
- Your breasts feel “full” at the beginning of the feeding and “empty” at the end. While your breasts are never really empty, they may appear that way to you and your baby at the end of the feeding.
Being a new mom can be very tough, especially in the first few weeks. Wondering if your baby is getting enough milk can add to the stress of being a new mom. Checking these things off will help you to relax and enjoy this precious time with your baby.
