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Is my newborn getting enough breastmilk?

Breastfeeding is a little different for every family. Almost all new parents wonder if their baby is getting enough when they are breastfeeding. It is hard to measure how much milk is transferred when breastfeeding. Knowing how much a newborn is eating is one of the most common concerns new parents have. Most babies lose weight after birth. By day 3-4 most babies will begin to regain their lost weight. Newborn babies have tiny tummies. Feed the baby 10 or more times in 24 hours. Here are some ways to know if the baby is getting enough.

 

Watch for hunger cues -

  • sucking on hands
  • lip smacking
  • opening and closing mouth
  • head turning towards the breast
  • bring fists to mouth

 

Counting diapers -

Counting diapers will give you a good indication of how much milk the baby is taking in. One wet and one dirty diaper for each day of life until baby reaches 5 days of age. At 5 days expect 5 wet and 3-4 yellow poopy diapers in a period of 24 hours.

 

Listen to baby swallow during the feed -

Watch baby’s jaw movement and listen for swallowing sounds. When baby’s first latch onto the breast, they will suck rapidly to get the milk flowing, then sucking will become slower and deeper as they pull the milk into their mouth and swallow.

 

The breast will feel softer and not as full after each feed -

The breasts should feel softer at the end of the feed. Emptying as much milk from the breasts as possible will help produce more milk for next feeding time.

 

Signs that baby isn’t getting enough breastmilk -

  • Baby is sluggish or sleeping longer than usual
  • Feedings are too long or too short
  • Latching is really painful
  • Baby is not having enough stools
  • Baby’s urine is not pale
  • Baby isn’t gaining weight
 
We are here to support you to reach your breastfeeding goal! Call us, text us or simply walk-in to any of our WIC offices.


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