Is Baby Getting Enough Breast Milk?
The title of this article is probably the no. 1 question every mother asks herself, as well as my wife, now that she is feeding twins!
It would be great If breasts came with their own measuring marks, but they don't, so how to know if baby is getting enough milk?
The simplest answer is usually the best, and that is diaper or nappy output. What goes in must come out!
How many breasts do you have? Well two can produce more than one, so if you have the one baby, he or she will get enough milk from the two of them, if not one.
Breast milk should come between 2 to 5 days after you have given birth.
Baby's weight is a clear indication, if you are solely breastfeeding. If your baby is gaining weight and drinking adequately, then the output should indicate everything is normal.
But, if your baby's weight gain is low, and the output is high, then you need to investigate further, usually by your doctor.
Answer these questions
Yes / No
* Has your baby regained birth weight by two weeks of age?
* Between days two and three, baby stools colour has changed from black to green, then yellow, with 'seeds' or 'curds' by day five?
* Day four and after, baby has three or four stools per day? (after four to six weeks, stools may be less frequent, but larger).
* After day four, or 24 hours after your breast milk has come, baby has five wet diapers or nappies that are odourless, and colourless. (your baby may produce just four wet diapers or nappies, if they are heavily wet).
* After day four, or when you breast milk has come, baby starts to gain weight at the following rate. (rates are averages)
* 0 to Three months - approximately 1 oz (30 grams) per day. Or 6 oz (180 grams) per week
* Four to Six months - at least 0.6 oz (18 grams) per day
* Seven to Nine months - at least 0.4 oz (12 grams) per day
* Ten to Twelve months - at least 0.3 oz (9 grams) per day
Beyond the first few days of birth, diaper or nappy output, and weight gain, or loss usually go hand in hand. Babies always lose weight before they gain it. This is because your baby is born with extra fluid in his or her tissues, which is lost during the first 48 hours of life. This equates to about 8 ounces.
Keep track of how many diapers or nappies you need to change. This is a good indication of how much liquid your baby is taking in.
The best way to know if your baby is getting enough milk, is to regularly have your baby's weight checked, both at home and at your doctors. Remember, it's normal to lose 5-7% of baby's weight before your baby starts to gain weight.
Please remember that if you are not sure, then always ask for advice from your doctor. Never take a chance with your precious baby.
It would be great If breasts came with their own measuring marks, but they don't, so how to know if baby is getting enough milk?
The simplest answer is usually the best, and that is diaper or nappy output. What goes in must come out!
How many breasts do you have? Well two can produce more than one, so if you have the one baby, he or she will get enough milk from the two of them, if not one.
Breast milk should come between 2 to 5 days after you have given birth.
Baby's weight is a clear indication, if you are solely breastfeeding. If your baby is gaining weight and drinking adequately, then the output should indicate everything is normal.
But, if your baby's weight gain is low, and the output is high, then you need to investigate further, usually by your doctor.
Answer these questions
Yes / No
* Has your baby regained birth weight by two weeks of age?
* Between days two and three, baby stools colour has changed from black to green, then yellow, with 'seeds' or 'curds' by day five?
* Day four and after, baby has three or four stools per day? (after four to six weeks, stools may be less frequent, but larger).
* After day four, or 24 hours after your breast milk has come, baby has five wet diapers or nappies that are odourless, and colourless. (your baby may produce just four wet diapers or nappies, if they are heavily wet).
* After day four, or when you breast milk has come, baby starts to gain weight at the following rate. (rates are averages)
* 0 to Three months - approximately 1 oz (30 grams) per day. Or 6 oz (180 grams) per week
* Four to Six months - at least 0.6 oz (18 grams) per day
* Seven to Nine months - at least 0.4 oz (12 grams) per day
* Ten to Twelve months - at least 0.3 oz (9 grams) per day
Beyond the first few days of birth, diaper or nappy output, and weight gain, or loss usually go hand in hand. Babies always lose weight before they gain it. This is because your baby is born with extra fluid in his or her tissues, which is lost during the first 48 hours of life. This equates to about 8 ounces.
Keep track of how many diapers or nappies you need to change. This is a good indication of how much liquid your baby is taking in.
The best way to know if your baby is getting enough milk, is to regularly have your baby's weight checked, both at home and at your doctors. Remember, it's normal to lose 5-7% of baby's weight before your baby starts to gain weight.
Please remember that if you are not sure, then always ask for advice from your doctor. Never take a chance with your precious baby.
