I’m breastfeeding my 2-week-old son. I’m a first-time mum, so I’m not sure if I’m making enough milk. How can I know if he’s getting enough with each feeding?
Providing adequate milk for your baby is important, and it can be hard to tell how much you’re providing at each feeding. Here are some ways to know your body is making plenty of milk.
1. Watch and listen to your baby. When he’s getting adequate milk, he should make a rhythmic pattern of sucking followed by swallowing. You may notice milk in your baby’s mouth at the end of feeding.
2. Pay attention to your breasts. You will notice a strong, deep, pulling sensation when your baby is nursing properly. You might notice that one breast leaks when you’re nursing with the other. At the end of a feed, your breasts should feel softer than when you started.
3. Pay attention to the contents of his nappys. If your baby is suckling adequately, he’ll be able to wet four to six disposable nappys a day, or six to eight cloth nappys. Similarly, a baby should produce at least two to three bowel movements in 24 hours.
Finally, your baby is getting enough milk if he’s gaining weight properly. It’s normal for all babies to lose up to 10 percent of their weight during the first week of life and regain it by 2 weeks of age. After that, a full-term baby should gain 4 to 7 ounces a week during the first month, and an average of 1 to 2 pounds a month for the first six months. Between 6 and 12 months, breastfed babies usually gain a pound a month.
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.