New moms often have this question. It’s not possible to see how much milk you are producing, so you can’t tell how much your baby is getting.
This is understandable. After all, every mother wants to be sure that her baby is getting all the nourishment he or she needs. Here’s some good news: majority of mothers DO produce sufficient milk to successfully breastfeed their babies.
Here are some signs that your baby is thriving.
Your baby is getting adequate nourishment if:
- Your baby seems satisfied and relaxed after a feeding. A baby who is “screaming for food” constantly may not be getting enough.
- Your breasts feel softer after a feeding.
- Your baby wets about 6 diapers a day. This is a reliable indicator. Note, however, that during the first few days after your milk comes in – when your baby is getting your thick, nutrient-packed colostrum – he or she may only have 1-2 wet diapers a day. After getting regular breastmilk, your baby will have more wet diapers.
- Your baby is gaining weight. It’s perfectly normal for your baby to lose a bit of weight during the first few days or week of life. If your baby doesn’t start gaining weight after 5-10 days, talk to your Pediatrician.
For more information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics’ page: http://bit.ly/2oGyLQv
