Breastfeeding Concerns: Is Baby Getting Enough?

Breastfeeding Concerns: Is Baby Getting Enough Breastmilk?

Beginning your breastfeeding journey is exciting for a new parent, but how can you be confident that your baby is getting enough breastmilk while nursing? After all, you can’t measure how much milk she’s taking in during each feed. Fortunately, there are some signs and signals you can look for to know your child is getting proper nutrition. Learn what to watch for:

First, be reassured by knowing that that it is very rare for women to be unable to produce sufficient breastmilk for their babies, so it’s very likely your child is getting enough.

What Signs Should I Look For?

Watch for these signals that your baby is being sufficiently fed:

Note: If you’re not sure how wet a nappy should be in order to be considered “full” pour three tablespoons   of water onto a dry nappy to give you an idea of how much an average wet nappy weighs.

What are Signs Baby is Not Getting Enough?

Of course, the absence of any of the above signs is a warning that there might be a problem, and should be investigated with your doctor or midwife. In addition to this, watch your baby for symptoms of dehydration; if you notice signs of dehydration in your child, seek medical attention for her immediately.

What Other Resources Are Available?

There are lots of resources and support options available for breastfeeding mamas. Talk to your doctor or midwife or check the La Leche League website to find breastfeeding support groups in your area. Online, you can always find peer advice and support from other breastfeeding mothers at Momtastic’s own BabyandBump Breastfeeding forum.

In addition, check out this helpful breastfeeding chart, chock full of great information for Baby’s first few nursing weeks, and look at information on breastfeeding from the World Health Organization. If you do have any concerns, always talk to a medical professional right away.

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