Getting Enough Milk

I am breastfeeding my baby, but I don't know how much milk he is getting! How can I be sure he is getting enough?

This is a very common worry for mothers that are breastfeeding. Remember to trust your body and your baby! If your baby is latching correctly and you feed as often as he wants, your body and baby will do the work. To ease your worries, there are helpful signs to consider and track. 

Count Diapers

One sign is how many wet and dirty diapers your baby has in a day. What goes in has to come out, and if the baby is meeting diaper goals, that is a great sign! On day 1, your baby should have 1 dirty diaper (1-2 wet). On day 2, 2 dirty diapers (2-3 wet). On day 3, 3 dirty diapers (3-5 wet from days 3 to 5). After day 4, there should be 4 or more dirty diapers, each at least the size of a quarter. By day 6, your baby should have 6-8 or more wet diapers each day, and their urine should be clear to light yellow.

By 4 to 6 weeks of age, the proteins in your breast milk have changed a bit. This change in protein can cause your baby to have fewer dirty diapers. This is normal! Your baby might only poop a few times a week. As long as the poop is still normal for a breastfed baby (mustard yellow and runny) and your baby doesn’t seem to be in pain during bowel movements, there is nothing to be alarmed about.

Feed on Demand

Another sign that your baby is getting enough milk is if they have clear hunger cues every 2 to 3 hours on average. They may get hungry more often when going through a growth spurt. If baby doesn't wake on their own to nurse, make sure to wake your sleepy baby so that feedings don't get delayed or skipped. You can track your baby's feedings for reassurance. 

Listen and Watch

When your baby is latched deeply and receiving a good amount of milk, you will hear swallowing and see their ears wiggle. Baby will be content with relaxed arms and hands after a feeding, and your breasts will feel softer and lighter.

Weight Gain

Babies should be back up to their 24-hour weight about two weeks after birth. You will notice they will slowly grow out of clothes, and their weight will be on a gradual growth curve.

These are all signs that your baby is getting enough milk! Excellent job being so attentive to your baby's needs!

Is baby getting enough Breastmilk.jpgWhat about the poop.jpg

Wet-Dirty Chart USDA.jpg

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SOURCE: https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/is-baby-getting-enough/

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