_Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?_
Here's how to tell!
In our last post, we shared the signs of a good suckling and you must note that if your baby is suckling well, chances are, they are getting enough milk. But sometimes, for several other reasons, babies may not be getting enough food and they do not have the ability to say, _"Mama i am hungry"._ 😄You would probably scream and flee if they did that.
While babies can not yet tell when they are hungry, there are a few ways we can tell that your baby is getting enough feed. Here are four sure ways:
1. Wet Diapers
A wet diaper is one of the best indicators that your baby is well-hydrated and receiving enough breast milk. Here's what you should look out for in your baby's diaper:
- Day 1: At least 1 wet diaper
- Day 2: At least 2 wet diapers
- Day 3: At least 3 wet diapers
- And so on until after Day 5, when you should expect 6 to 8 wet diapers daily.
Wet diapers should be pale yellow and odourless. However, you may consult your physician if you notice:
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after the 5th day
- Dark or concentrated urine. This may indicate dehydration (that is, a state of reduction of water content in your baby's body)
2. Stool Patterns
A well-fed newborn follows a fairly predictable stool pattern:
- Days 1 to 2: At least one dark, sticky meconium stool (the first intestinal discharge of a newborn which is usually green in colour) daily
- Days 3 to 4: Greenish transitional stools.
- By Day 5: At least 3 to 4 yellow, seedy stools daily.
This pattern usually continues for the first 4 to 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, stool frequency may vary widely. Some babies pass stool several times daily, while others may go a few days without. As long as the stool is soft and your baby is growing well, there is usually no cause for concern.
You may contact your physician if you notice that:
- Your baby doesn’t pass stool within the first 24 to 48 hours
- Meconium persists beyond Day 4 or 5
- Fewer than 3 stools per day by Day 5
- Stools are hard, dry, pellet-like, or very watery
- Stools contain mucus, blood, or appear frothy
*3. Weight Gain*
Monitoring your baby’s weight is a key part of tracking healthy feeding.
You must therefore keep in mind:
- Newborns may lose 7 to 8 percent of birth weight in the first 7 to 10 days. This is normal.
- After this period, babies typically gain 30 grams per day (150 to 210 grams per week) for the first few months.
- By 3 to 6 months, the rate slows to about 20 to 25 grams per day.
- By 6 months, most babies will have doubled their birth weight.
Weight is usually tracked during routine paediatric visits. If using a scale at home, always interpret results in consultation with your doctor.
4. Alertness
A well-fed baby is:
- Alert and responsive when awake.
- Shows regular feeding cues.
- Has good muscle tone.
- Appears satisfied after feeds.
Watch out for:
- Excessive sleepiness.
- Weak cry or limpness.
- Infrequent feeding cues or difficulty latching.
These may be signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk.
We hope this guide has been both helpful and reassuring. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns. Remember, a well baby is a well-fed baby.
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