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I decided long before my son was born that I would exclusively breastfeed. I’d heard all of the stories of why women don’t, from baby never latching correctly to having a low milk supply. When I was pregnant I hoped that I would have none of these issues, and so far I’ve been blessed not to. However, it is very important to me that my son gets the proper and adequate nutrition he needs. We had his two week check up and he is putting on weight and everything with him is good, and I want it to stay that way.
I was very excited when my daily What To Expect email had an article on baby getting adequate breast milk. Many moms, including myself, worry that their breastfed baby might not be getting enough milk. I thought I would share with you some of the the ways in which you can tell if your baby is getting enough milk.
Tracking your baby’s feedings, weight gain, and diaper output is the best way to determine if your baby is getting enough milk.
1. Monitor baby’s weight. Keep track of how often you’re breastfeeding your baby (the goal is eight to 12 times per 24 hours) and monitor baby weight gain. Infants should gain weight steadily every week; four to seven ounces per week is typical, although weight gain will vary depending on age and other factors. Your pediatrician will let you know if your baby’s growth is on track.
2. Count dirty diapers. Although it’s probably something you never expected to do, keep a careful count of those wet and soiled diapers: Your newborn should be pumping out eight to 12 dirty diapers with clear to very pale yellow urine and at least five soft, yellow bowel movements over a 24-hour period. For the first several weeks, it’s a good idea to keep a written record (you’ll be too tired to keep it all in your head) of breastfeeding frequency and diaper output — you can even bring it along to the pediatrician’s at each visit so you’ll have your facts and figures handy when you’re asked about those dirty diapers.
3. Watch baby’s disposition. If your baby seems happy and content after most feedings, then chances are she’s a satisfied customer and is getting enough milk. If she’s crying and fussing or sucking on her fingers frantically after a full feeding, she might still be hungry (though these can also be signs of gas or infant colic).
What If You Need Help?
Before you leave the hospital or birthing center, a lactation consultant will likely visit you and observe you feeding your baby to make sure you’re on the right track and that your baby is getting enough milk (if a consultant doesn’t pay you a call, make sure you ask for one). She can also offer tips on caring for nursing breasts, how and when to express milk, and may provide you with literature to take home. If you’re having problems when you get home, talk to your baby’s doctor or a nurse who specializes in lactation, or find a lactation consultant in your area through the International Lactation Consultant Association or your local La Leche League (see the Resource Directory for links). Friends and family members who have nursed will be happy to offer you an ear and reassurance that the bumps of the first few days and weeks do eventually smooth out — just as the pain of your engorged breasts and sore nipples will ease.
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Whether you are currently breastfeeding or plan to in the future, I hope this was helpful!
xxoo,
Great advice for new moms! Breastfeeding can be very hard (it was for me at least!) but it’s nice to have so many resources online with advice and different people’s experiences to relate to! I am commenting from the Weekend Wander Hop- thanks for linking up!
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Yes it sure can be hard! Although breastfeeding is natural, that does not make it easy by any means. I’m so glad there are resources out there as well that are so accessible to moms now.
Breastfeeding was hard at first. The thing to remember is that it will get better and hurt less. I called the lactation consultant several times and she was a great help.
Herchel S recently posted…Jingle Bells Hershey Smells
I definitely is something that takes time for both mom and baby. I will be the first to admit to that! Lactation consultants are great. I am extremely thankful to the ones who helped me, including the nurses also helped me!
Great tips and advice. It was such a stressful time for me when I had my little ones. I am so glad there’s so many resources now, such as this awesome post, to help new BF’ing moms. p.s found this through SITSSharefest site!
Thanks so much! I am very thankful that there are so many resources out there now. Knowledge really is power!
Great advice and very well written! And congratulations to you for making it past the first couple of weeks breastfeeding. That is no small task! Believe me, I know. I’m visiting from SITS and look forward to reading more of your blog!
Jennifer McCullough recently posted…10 Things My Toddler Said About Breastfeeding
Thanks so much! I’m definitely trying my best. Your right, it is not easy, but is so worth it!
Great advice on talking with a lactation consultant! That is the best advice you can give to a new mama
Thank you for sharing such a great list.
Found you on Mommy Monday Blog Hop!
Jenna @ A Mama Collective recently posted…Choose Your Diaper Charity Event
Thanks so much! You are so right, lactation consultants are lifesavers. Every single one I’ve ever meant has been beyond nice and helpful.
These tips are so valid. I remember breast feeding with joy. I hope everyone else has good luck too. Thanks for sharing this valuable info.
Mary Hill recently posted…Parenting Series: Toddler Years and Dialogic Reading
Your very welcome!
It’s great to see so many moms reassuring other moms about this. As said, although breastfeeding is natural, it certainly isn’t easy! I BF both of my children past the year mark and have learned so much in that time. I think following the above tips for beginners is great advice. As long as those things are happening we can hopefully trust our body and baby to produce the right amount of milk!
Julie @ Don’t Lick Your Sister recently posted…Our Frozen Dinners
Yes, as a new mom I’m constantly looking for reassurance. Nothing about motherhood is easy, so if I can provide some resources to help fellow new moms/moms I definitely do. Your right, the main thing is to trust our bodies and babies and not stress. I’m doing my best to do both, even though it gets hard sometimes.
This is a great post for new breastfeeding mommas! Thanks for linking up with the Mommy Moment Blog Hop!
Thanks so much!
I breastfed my daughter for 14 months. It was really tough in the beginning. I worried about whether or not she was getting enough and I think the stress killed my supply. This time around I am worrying a lot less and I have the milk to show for it. My son is getting what he needs and I’m so much more relaxed. These are great tips.
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Wow, that’s awesome your were able to breastfeed her for well over a year. I’m definitely striving to go a year and I’m hoping to be able to do so. I worry sometimes about my supply, especially when it seems like my son just can’t get full. He’s going through a growth spurt right now and it seems like he’s glued to my boob. I’m trying really hard to remember that and not to stress. Its nice to nice other mamas have dealt with the same thing. Its wonderful that you’re having a much better experience this time around with your son. I know it’ll continue to go that way for both you and him!