Is My Baby Getting Enough?

Breastfeeding may seem like a guessing game. Is my baby nursing long enough, frequently enough, is she getting enough milk? Worrying about whether your baby is getting enough milk is one of the most common fears of early motherhood. Although there isn't any way to measure what goes into your baby, there is certainly a way to tell if your baby is getting enough. Breasts don't have measurements or timers on them so it is difficult to see how much milk your baby is drinking. By counting wet and poopy diapers you can reassure yourself as to whether your baby is nursing enough or not.

In the first few days the baby will be nursing colostrum from you. This fluid is packed full of antibodies and other various substances that are great for a new baby. It also has a laxative effect which helps the baby to release meconium (sticky substance that lines the baby's intestinal tract while in utero). The baby should begin to release meconium in the first two days of life. Once the meconium clears out the stool will change to the classic, seedy breastfed baby poop. In the first week the number of diapers should equal the number of days old the baby is. Working up to 7+ really wet cloth diapers by day seven. This should hold steady from there on. After the 7th day the baby should be having 6-8 really wet cloth diapers and at least two good size poops per day. If the baby isn't wetting enough it can be a sign that baby isn't getting enough milk. In the first six weeks it is important that your baby be having at least two good poops everyday. Some babies will poop with every diaper.

An easy way to keep track of wet diapers is to grab a stack of 8 diapers in the morning and put them out. Use these diapers throughout the day. It is an easy visual reminder of your baby getting enough milk. As you watch the diapers disappear throughout the day, you will be assured that your baby is taking in enough milk. Another way to be sure that your baby is getting enough is watching her grow. Is your baby filling out, are her cheeks seeming plump, is her skin rosy and glowing? These are all indicators that your baby is gaining and growing, flourishing at your breast.

If you feel that your baby isn't getting enough milk or isn't gaining regularly, please seek help. Take your baby to the pediatrician or contact a board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Do not hesitate to get help if you feel your baby isn't gaining. Supplementation of formula isn't always necessary. Talk with your care provider and create a plan of offering pumped milk through a supplementer if your baby is having trouble gaining. It is much easier to solve any nursing problems with a strong, healthy baby.

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