Question
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Answer
Your breast milk is produced on a
supply and demand basis. The more your baby feeds, the more your
body will make. But in the early days, it is easy to worry that
your baby may not be getting enough milk.
Rest assured that your baby is getting enough milk
if:
- They seem content and satisfied after most feeds
- They're producing plenty of wet nappies
- They gain weight steadily after the first two weeks
- They have periods of being awake and alert
- Your breasts and nipples are not sore
Building up your milk supply
To build a good supply, it is best to feed on demand at first,
letting your baby feed as often as they want rather than trying to
time the feeds. Start each feed from the breast that feels fullest,
and check that your baby is latching on properly, taking a large
amount of breast in their mouth. They won't be able to get the milk
out properly if they just suck on your nipple. And it will
hurt!
How a feed works
Your breasts produce two types of milk: watery, thirst-quenching
foremilk at the start of a feed, followed by the fatty hind milk
that fuels your baby's growth. To ensure they get both types, let
your baby decide when to end the feed. They will either fall asleep
or let go when they have finished. Some babies drain both breasts
at every feed, while others are satisfied with one.
Try to avoid introducing bottles while you are establishing
breast feeding. Bottle feeding will reduce the time your baby
spends on the breast and could affect your milk supply.
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