How do I know my newborn is getting enough breastmilk?

As a new Mama, there is often concern around “how do I know my baby is getting enough breastmilk?”. Unlike feeding via a bottle – where you can “see” what their intake is – here are a few signs that your baby is getting enough:

1. You can see/hear milk transfer. Watch your baby whilst she feeds. You should be seeing sucking action all the way down the jaw line through to the ears as well and seeing/hearing swallows.

2. There should be periods throughout a 24hr day where they are settled between feeds.

3. They should be active and alert during awake periods.

4. Adequate output. Once the milk is “in” – at least 5 heavy wet disposable nappies a day. 3-4 mustard coloured dirty nappies a day up until 6 weeks of age. After this period, a breastfed baby’s bowel motions may space out. Some babies go days between motions.

5. Once the milk is “in”, you should feel a noticeable difference in softness of the breast after a feed.

6. When a baby becomes “milk drunk” – their arms and hands relax.

7. After their initial weight loss, you will see adequate weight gain. Your home visiting midwife and MCHN will keep an eye on this.

For more information about breastfeeding, join me for a 3hr Breastfeeding Workshop Saturday July 22nd 9am – 12pm where we will cover this and so much more!

To BOOK a Calmbirth course with Martyna Cooper go to: https://calmbirth.com.au/educators-profile/?edid=100