How Do I Know If My Baby is Getting Enough Breast Milk?

How does a new mom know if her baby is getting enough breast milk? This is a common question and worry of many new mother's. Sometimes it is hard to tell how much breast milk your baby is ingesting. Even using a breast pump is misleading as a mother usually produces much more milk with baby at the breast. Usually, in most cases, there is no real cause for concern. Unless your baby is losing weight or gaining poorly. If you are worried about how much breast milk your baby is getting here are some simple ways to tell if your new bundle of joy is getting enough!

Wet Diapers and Bowel Movements

Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period. Many baby's will have much more which is a good sign! As for bowel movements after the meconium is passed, your baby's bowel movements might change. Sometimes they will go longer than 3 days without a bowel movement. this should not be concerning as long as he or she is alert and gaining weight.

Weight Gain

Weight gain varies between babies. Unless your baby was a preemie don't get too hung up on the weight issues. It will only drive you crazy! If your baby is gaining steadily and consistently that is a good sign and keep doing what you are doing! If baby is not gaining weight you need to take a closer look at your breast feeding relationship. Mom should evaluate her diet and sleep patterns, supply, as well as nurse baby as much as possible. If your baby is losing be sure to get in touch with your pediatrician immediately or a qualified lactation consultant.

Physical Development

Some babies are just slow to gain but they start developing physically. This is a good indicator your baby is thriving and is doing well. Does he or she start trying to lift his or her head up? Start tracking adults in the room or smiling at familiar faces? These are all indicators your baby is developing normal and should reassure you a bit that all is well.

Alertness

A baby that is not getting enough to eat will often become lethargic and may sleep a lot. Your baby should have regular periods of time through out the day where he or she is alert and listening and watching the world around them. If your baby is not alert combined with weight loss or lack of dirty diapers this can signal a problem and you should contact your pediatrician or midwife immediately.

Other important things to consider is are you achieving letdown and is baby nursing enough on each breast? Try nursing on one side at a time for as long as your baby will nurse. If in doubt, nurse more! Don't supplement with formula unless your baby is actually losing weight. Introducing formula can sabotage even a well established breast feeding relationship.

In extreme case you can purchase an infant scale and weigh your baby before and after each feeding to determine better how much milk she or he is getting.

You can not let the following things determine baby is not getting enough milk. Such as your breasts feel empty or don't leak, baby sleeps through the night, baby cries after a feeding or you get very little breast milk while pumping. These things do not automatically indicate low supply. If you are concerned and not sure what to do other than call your pediatrician, you can contact your local La Leche :League for much support and guidance. Also a certified lactation consultant is your best bet for knowledge in helping you with your breast feeding relationship