Most new mothers wonder whether their baby is getting enough breastmilk, especially in the first few days and weeks after birth. The question isn’t invalid; after all, the breast isn’t a bottle that you can hold up and check! How then, do you determine whether your precious little one is getting as much breastmilk as they require? It is all about building confidence, slowly and steadily. Read on to know more.
Signs that your baby is getting enough breastmilk
First things first. Remember that you as a new mother have gone through immense body changes during pregnancy and delivery. Pat yourself on the back and reassure yourself that you’re doing a great job. While you may be anxious about whether you’re producing ‘enough’ milk, remember that it’s pretty much a demand-supply situation.
In the interim, however, picking up cues from your baby is the best way to know whether the baby is feeding well. Here’s what to look out for:
- Dirty diapers: A baby who is getting enough breastmilk will have to be changed more than 8 times a day. The colour of the baby’s urine would typically be pale showing that your baby is well fed and hydrated.
- Number of feeds: A baby who is nursing well will feed more than 8 times in 24 hours. When awake, your baby looks alert and ‘demands’ to be fed and doesn’t fall asleep while still being attached to the breast.
- Audible swallowing: As your baby grows older than 3-4 days, a good latch will be established. Soon as the baby feeds, you will be able to hear rhythmic sucking noises. The baby slowly sucks and audibly swallows and pauses during feeds. Once done, the baby will automatically unlatch from the breast.
- Absence of crankiness while asleep: If your baby is getting enough breastmilk, it is more likely that your baby sleeps sound and does not have interrupted sleep.
- Your breasts: When your baby nurses well, you’re free of the heaviness in your breasts after the first few sucks. Once done, your nipples should look the same shape as before you began nursing, or slightly elongated.Your breasts would be softer and lighter (or less full) to the touch, indicating that they have been drained off milk by your nursing.
- Happy baby post feed: While feeding, your baby’s cheeks look full instead of hollow. No crying or squirming happens as you find the baby quite calm and relaxed throughout the feed. The baby un-laches on its own, has moist lips and looks satisfied. Additionally, you feel extremely relaxed and sleepy after each feed.
Pro tips
Until you and your baby have established a good breastfeeding routine, keep feeding the baby on demand. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you produce. Stressing or overthinking whether you’re producing enough milk can in fact hamper your supply, so relax and stay well hydrated. Eventually, your supply will stabilise and it’s likely that all your doubts will be laid to rest.
Wish you a happy breastfeeding journey!
