New moms just getting used to breastfeeding sometimes worry that their baby isn't getting enough milk. After all, every mom wants to make sure that her baby is getting all the nourishment needed, but it's impossible to see how much milk a nursing baby actually drinks.
What are the signs that my baby is getting enough breast milk?
Your breastfeeding baby is probably getting enough nourishment if:
*Your breasts feel softer after nursing (because your baby has emptied some of the milk that was making them firm).
*Your baby seems relaxed and satisfied after a feeding.
*Your baby continues to gain weight after gaining back the weight she initially lost after birth. (Most babies lose up to 7 percent of their birth weight and then regain it by the time they're about 2 weeks old.) A rough guideline: Your baby should gain about 6 to 8 ounces a week for the first four months, then about 4 to 6 ounces per week from 4 to 7 months.
*Your baby wets at least six diapers a day after your milk comes in. In the first few days, when your baby is getting only your thick, nutrient-rich colostrum, she may have only one or two wet diapers a day. But after your baby starts getting regular breast milk, she'll start having a lot more wet diapers.
*In the first month, your baby has at least three stools a day, and they lighten to a yellowy mustard color within five to seven days after birth. She may have less frequent bowel movements once she's a month old or skip bowel movements for several days now and then. Once she's eating solid foods, at 4 to 6 months, she'll probably go back to having at least one bowel movement a day.
What are the signs that my baby isn't getting enough breast milk?
Watch for these signs if you're concerned about your baby's milk intake:
* Your baby continues to lose weight. If your baby doesn't start gaining weight after five days, or if he starts losing weight again any time after that, talk with his doctor.
* Your baby is wetting fewer than six diapers in a 24-hour period after the five days following his birth.
* Your baby has small, dark stools after his first five days.
* Your baby's urine is very dark, like the color of apple juice. (If his urine is pale or clear, he's getting enough liquid. If it's more concentrated, it may be a sign that he's low on fluids.)
* Your baby is fussy or lethargic much of the time. He may fall asleep as soon as you put him to your breast but then fuss when you take him off.
* Your baby appears to have a dry mouth or eyes.
* Your baby just doesn't seem satisfied, even if feedings consistently take longer than an hour.
* Your breasts don't feel softer after nursing.
* You rarely hear your baby swallow while nursing. (Some babies are very quiet feeders, so if all other signs are positive, don't worry about this one!)
What happens if my baby doesn't get enough breast milk?
Although most moms are able to provide their babies with all the milk they need, sometimes babies don't get enough. And when the problem isn't addressed, a baby can suffer from dehydration and failure to thrive, which are uncommon but serious problems.
If you're concerned that your baby isn't getting enough milk, call your baby's doctor or check in with a nurse or lactation consultant. At these appointments, you'll typically feed your baby while the consultant observes you and gives you valuable tips for breastfeeding success.
How often will my baby breastfeed?
There's a very wide range of what's considered normal. Some babies like to nurse all the time – not just for nourishment, but also for enjoyment – while others nurse only when prompted by their tummy. Your baby may be too sleepy to nurse much in the first 24 hours. But after that, here's what's typical:
1 to 7 weeks
Every 2 to 3 hours
8 to 12 times daily
This might seem like a lot – and make you wonder whether she's getting enough at each feeding – but keep in mind that your new baby has a tiny tummy and needs frequent refills.
2 to 5 months
Every 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
7 to 9 times daily
As she grows bigger and gets more efficient at breastfeeding, she'll go longer between feedings and spend less time overall at your breast.
6 months and beyond
Every 5 to 6 hours
4 to 5 times daily
And at this age, here she may stay for as long as you continue to nurse her.
How much breast milk do I need to pump?
If you pump your breast milk for your baby, you can follow these guidelines to know how much he'll need:
* Up until they're about 1 month old, most babies will take 2 1/2 to 3 ounces of breast milk in a bottle, feeding about eight times a day – that's taking in a total of 20 to 24 ounces in 24 hours.
* By 6 months, your baby will most likely be drinking 24 to 30 ounces a day, divided into six to eight feedings. He'll start drinking a little less once he starts eating solid food.
Keep in mind that these are just rough guidelines – don't try to get your 6-month-old to drink 30 ounces each day if he doesn't want to.
Is it possible to overfeed a baby?
Yes, if you're bottle feeding, it's easy to give a baby too much formula or breast milk. A breastfed baby can comfort herself at the breast while getting just a minimal amount of milk, or drink just enough to quench her thirst, but it isn't that easy for a bottle-fed baby. If your bottle-fed baby wants just a little milk, she usually winds up getting much more because of how fast the milk flows through the nipple of a bottle.
How can I prevent overfeeding my baby with a bottle?
To help your baby get just the right amount of milk, bottle-feed him slowly and take little breaks to give him a chance to let you know when he's had enough. If your baby seems to be gulping the breast milk quickly, help him catch his breath by taking a break every 10 sucks or so. This is especially important during the first couple of months, until he learns to pace himself.
As babies start eating more solid foods, they start taking in less breast milk. As your baby nears his first birthday, he might drink breast milk three to four times a day.
Once your baby is a 1 year old, he can transition to whole cow's milk in a bottle or sippy cup. Keep in mind that while cow's milk is good for him, you don't want to overdo it or he won't have much appetite for other healthy foods. (Too much cow's milk can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia.) Sixteen to 24 ounces a day should be just fine.
And of course, you can continue to nurse past age 1 if you and your child want to. Even though your toddler will get most of his nutrition from solid food, breast milk still provides calories, immune protection, vitamins, and enzymes.
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