Because you cannot actually see the milk your body is producing, it is hard to know exactly how much your newborn is getting. This is why you should let your baby be your guide to know that he is getting enough.
Most moms are able to provide their babies with the milk they need, but in some cases, they may not be getting enough. This can lead to dehydration and may affect the baby’s normal growth. If you feel concerned that your baby is not getting enough milk, look out for these signs.
Signs that your baby is getting enough of breast milk
- Your baby has three light yellow stools a day in the first month.
- Your baby wets 6 diapers a day, but in the first few days, your baby may wet one or two because he\she is getting your thick colostrum.
- The baby looks relaxed, satisfied, and able to sleep after nursing.
- Your breasts feel softer after nursing which means that they were emptied.
- Your baby is gaining weight. At least 225 grams a week for the first four months.
- You feed your baby at least 8 – 12 times a day.
- Your baby has a healthy skin color.
- You can see and hear your baby swallowing your milk while breastfeeding.
Signs that your baby is NOT getting enough of breast milk
- Your baby continues to lose weight after his\her first week or does not gain enough weight.
- Your breast does not feel softer and empty after nursing.
- Your baby’s mouth and eyes seem to be dry.
- Your baby has a small amount of dark stool after his\her first five days.
- Baby’s urine is concentrated and have a dark color like the color of apple juice and wetting less than six diapers a day.
- Your baby is fussy most of the time. He\she may fall asleep when you put him\her to your breast but starts to cry when you take him\her off your breast.
- You don’t hear or see your baby swallow enough milk while nursing.
How often should you breastfeed your baby?
Your baby may be too sleepy to nurse on his first day, but after that, the baby should be nursing as follows:
- Week 1 to 7: every 2 – 3 hours / 8 -12 times a day
- Month 2 to 5: every 2.5 – 3.5 hours \ 7 – 9 times a day
- 6 months and over: every 5 – 6 hours \ 4 – 5 times a day
