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Is My Breastfeeding Baby Getting Enough to Eat?
A new parent's biggest concern is often about how much or how often the
baby nurses.
Here are some guidelines to help you know if your baby is getting
enough:
Your newborn baby should nurse 8 - 12 times in 24 hours during the first
2 - 3 weeks.
Some feedings may be close together, even an hour or so apart. Other
feedings will be less frequent. Feeding do not need to be evenly
spaced and are often not in newborn. Wake your baby if he doesn't
awaken to feed within 3 hours during the day. Night time feedings can be
less frequent.
Remember, you are looking for 8 - 12 feedings daily. As your baby gets
older, feedings may be less frequent.
Count the number of wet diapers your baby has. Six to eight wet diapers
with pale yellow urine indicate an adequate intake. Your baby should
also have several stools per day. Older babies may void and stool less.
However, the urine should always be a light yellow color and the stool
should be soft.
Babies generally lose a little weight in the first few days after birth
and then begin to gain. This is a normal pattern. Have your baby's
weight checked a couple of times during the first 2 weeks, especially if
you are concerned that your baby is not eating enough. A check of
his weight is the only sure way to determine adequate intake.
You need to see your physician or a Lactation Consultant if:
1. Your
baby has not begun to gain weight by his fifth day after birth or has
not regained his birth weight by 2 weeks
These signs can indicate inadequate feedings and can become a serious
concern if not corrected quickly. You may wish to keep a written record
of when your baby voids, stools and feeds for a few days so you can
accurately report this to your health care provider. Please
seek help if your problem does not resolve quickly. Call your
physician or make an appointment to see a Lactation Consultant. |