How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk?
This is one of the main concerns breastfeeding mothers have. Since their tiny little ones can not yet express themselves and directly thank them for a nice meal, they keep wondering if the baby is getting enough breast milk or not. Find out the most common signs that indicate whether the infant is getting enough milk or not.
Signs that the baby is not getting enough breastfeeding milk
1 - The baby is not comfortable after feeding.
A baby who is getting enough milk after a feed will be calm and even might sleep, well…Like a baby! If your little one is fussy and is still crying this means he is not full yet.
2 - Less wet diapers
If the baby is having less than six wet diapers a day when he is 5 days old or older, this could be an indication that he didn’t get enough milk from breastfeeding. A newborn should have one wet diaper a day on the first day after birth, two diapers on the second day, three on the third day, four on the fourth day until he reaches six diapers after the fifth day.
3 - Jaundice
Jaundice is quite normal and usually not alarming in a newborn. But if the baby’s skin becomes suddenly yellow a week after birth and he develops jaundice, this might be a sign that he is not getting enough milk.
4 - Incorrect latching
If you hear the baby making a clicking-like noise when he is breastfeeding, this means he is not latched to your breast properly and he is not receiving a sufficient amount of breast milk.
5 - Your breasts
If your breasts are still hard and full after the baby has just been fed, this means he didn’t take the milk he needed from them.
Does breast size affect breastfeeding?
Women have different breast sizes and shapes, and unless they have a medical condition, they can all produce milk to feed their newborns. Breasts tend to become bigger during breastfeeding but even if they don’t this is not an indication of the amount of milk in them. According to experts, there is no correlation between the size of the breasts and the amount of breast milk produces or whether the baby will get enough milk or not.
What can you do if the baby is not getting enough milk?
Breastfeeding is the most wonderful gift a mother can give to her child. But no one can claim that it is easy or the same for everyone. If you suspect that your little one is not having the amount of milk he needs from breastfeeding, ask for the help of a midwife or a lactation consultant. Don’t fall for the old wives’ claims that this is a natural process and all you must do is have the baby latch on your breast. Consult with a specialist or watch one of the breastfeeding classes we are offering on our platform to get the professional support you need.
Signs that the baby is not getting enough breast milk
1 - Feeding frequency
If the baby is breastfeeding between eight to twelve times a day this means he is having the needed amount of breast milk from feedings.
2 - Baby’s behavior
If your baby is relaxed and comfortable and has his palms open and his arms stretched to his sides, this is him telling you in newborn language thanks mama for a lovely meal.
3 - Baby’s weight
Oops, the baby outgrew his newborn clothes so quickly; this means he gained weight and is growing at a proper pace. There is no better indication for a breastfeeding experience achieving its goal than the baby’s proper weight gain.
4 - The diapers
Here they are again forecasting the baby’s feeding. If the baby is wetting six diapers a day or more after the fifth day, this means he is getting enough milk.
5 - How the baby feeds
If the baby is latched properly and he is gulping and you can hear him swallowing, these are all indications he is getting the amount of milk he needs.
6 - Mommy’s breasts
If your breast feels soft and less full after the feeds, this means your little one emptied them and got the milk he needs.
7 - The experience
If breastfeeding feels comfortable and you are not feeling in significant pain or discomfort, this means that the baby is feeding properly.
