g. Signs that the Baby Is Breastfeeding Well

New mothers often wonder if their baby is drinking enough milk. Although you cannot check the quantity of milk the baby is drinking, there are signs that indicate if the baby is drinking enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1. The Baby's Suckling

At the beginning of the feeding, your baby's suckling will be shallow and quick. Once the milk begins to flow, the baby's suckling should become deep and slow. At one point there should be a pause and the baby should open its mouth wide. This is when the mouth fills with milk. The longer this pause, the more milk the baby gets.

You may :

  • Feel some initial pain for the first few sucks which should go away. If it continues, the baby may not be latched or positioned well. Ensure to receive professional help to assist to correctly breastfeed your baby.
  • Hear the baby swallow.

The next video shows a baby breastfeeding well.

Sample video from "Breastfeeding : Bringing baby to the breast" from http://www.videoallaitement.org/english.html

2. Number of Wet and Soiled Diapers

By counting the number of wet and soiled diapers, you can check if your baby drinks enough milk.

 

  • at 1 day old has at least 1 wet diaper and at least 1 to 2 sticky dark green/black stools
  • at 2 days old has at least 2 wet diapers and at least 1 to 2 sticky dark green/black stools. ** This is easier to notice urine in cloth diapers. A facial tissue can be placed inside disposable diapers, if you are not sure.
  • at 3 days old has at least 3 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow stools. Occasional “red brick coloured” staining is normal until day 3.
  • at 4 days old has at least 4 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow stools.
  • at 5 days and older, as the milk supply increases, baby has at least 6 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 large soft yellow seedy stools per day.

A wet diaper is equivalent to 2 tablespoons or 30ml, and a heavy wet diaper is equivalent to 4-5 tablespoons or 60-75 ml.

3. Weight Gain

The weight gain is a good indication that the baby is drinking enough milk. Here are a few clues.

  • Most breastfed babies will lose up to 7 percent of their birth weight during the first three days after birth.
  • Your baby should gain at least five to eight ounces (140 to 224 grams) per week during the first three months and at least 1 pound (16 oz or 448 g) per month between the third and the sixth month.
  • Your baby should have returned to his/her birth weight by the second week of age.

 

 

 

4. Other Signs

There are other signs to indicate if the baby is drinking enough milk. Observe the following clues:

  • Your baby has a loud cry and moves a lot.
  • Your baby's mouth is wet and pink.
  • Your baby's eyes look bright and awake.
  • Your baby comes off the breast looking relaxed and sleepy.
  • Your breasts feel softer and less full after breastfeeding.

 

Ask for help immediately if your baby does not seem to be breastfeeding well.