How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions I get from breastfeeding mothers. There are many reasons why you may be wondering if your baby is getting enough breastmilk, such as:
Baby is fussing/crying alot
Your breasts don't feel 'full'
Baby is feeding frequently
When you pump you don't get much
Baby isn't sleeping well
Baby doesn't stay at the breast for long periods
Baby does stay at the breast for long periods
The truth is, that many of the 'issues' that cause you to question your milk supply may simply be normal newborn behaviour.
But then, how can you assess for adequate milk intake in a newborn?
A great place to start is by looking at baby's output:
A baby (beyond the first week) should have at least 6 very wet nappies in a 24 hour period, the urine should be odourless and pale in colour.
The amount of stools can vary- around 3-5 soft/runny stools in 24 hours is normal.
Weight gain and growth in length and head circumference are also reassuring signs that baby has adequate intake. You could visit your GP or Child Health Nurse for regular weighs, especially in the first few weeks, if you have specific concerns.
General wellbeing is important too. Baby should have good skin colour and muscle tone. If your baby is jaundiced (yellow colour to skin) it is important to be assessed. If you were to gently pinch your baby's skin it should quickly spring back into place.
Being able to assess the hydration status of your newborn is important.
There are some great resources for parents which can help you with that, such as the Australian Breastfeeding Association website/helpline.
It is also important to be aware that variations in feeding frequency, duration and whether or not your baby cries alot, is not necessarily related to your milk supply or a reason to stop breastfeeding.
If you have been reassured that your baby's hydration status is normal but you still have concerns about your supply, then a visit with a lactation consultant could be of great benefit to you!
