Mother's milk is the best food for the baby. Mothers are concerned whether their babies are getting enough milk. This can be best observed by the baby's weight gain. A paediatrician can be the person to discuss with.Babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months. There are lot of concerns related to breastfeeding a baby and one of the most common concerns of mothers is that if the baby is getting adequate breastmilk or not. Here are some queries of mothers related to finding out if the baby is getting enough of
breastmilk.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
A baby having only mother's milk and nothing else (no water) who urinates at least 6 to 8 times in a period of 24 hours is getting enough breastmilk.
Why do many mothers complain of insufficient breastmilk?
The mother should consider the number of times the child passes urine before deciding that the child is not getting enough milk. She often makes a wrong assumption that she is not producing enough milk in the following situations:
- If the child's hand goes to her mouth and she starts sucking her fingers;
- If she takes her feed for a prolonged period;
- If she finishes the feed fast;
- If the breasts feel soft;
Most common of all, if the child cries a lot. Remember that a baby does not always cry because she is hungry. The baby may just need some love and affection. Some babies derive comfort from just the act of suckling. Another baby may have a wet nappy or she may be colicky; she may be feeling cold, hot or ill.
Can the baby's weight gain indicate whether breastmilk is sufficient?
Yes, adequate weight gain is an indication that the baby is getting enough breastmilk. It is a common misconception that the baby must gain at least two pounds, or one kilo, per month. Some normal babies may gain only half of that, or even less and still look (and be) very healthy.
Yes, baby’s stools are one of the indicators that the baby is getting enough breastmilk. Babies who are getting enough breastmilk pass stools on daily basis.
Stools of such babies are soft. However, it is not the only parameter on which it can be decided if the baby is getting enough breastmilk or not.
What are some other signs that a baby is getting adequate breastmilk?
Here are some other signs that can help to identify if the baby is getting enough breastmilk?
A Happy BabyWhen your baby’s tummy is full, she will look happy and satisfied after you breastfeed her.
Lighter BreastYour breast will become softer and lighter after you breastfeed your baby which is a sign that your baby has emptied your breast.
Frequent BreastfeedsBabies who need frequent feeds may get satisfactory amount of breastmilk. Ideally, in the first month babies need breastfeeding every 2 to 3 hours, later on in the second month, 10 to 12 feeds may be required in a day’s time. In the third month 8 to 9 feeds may be required and thereafter 7 to 8 feeds may be required.
Breastfeeding also works on demand supply rule as much as the baby is encouraged to suckle the breast the
supply of breastmilk will be improved.
How to know if the baby is not getting enough breastmilk?
Babies who do not pass stools daily and mostly pass hard stools may not be getting enough of breastmilk. In this case the stools and urine that is passed by the baby is dark in colour. The baby may also look fussy if she is not getting adequate breastmilk.
You must keep track of the above mentioned signs to know if your baby is getting enough breastmilk or not. If you are concerned, you must surely consult a paediatrician so that he or she can help you with the measures that you can take to meet the breastfeeding needs.
