How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
If your infant can be heard swallowing, you know he/she is gettingyour breast milk.How quickly a breast fed baby grows and gains weight is dependent onmany things. Usually infants double their birth weight by 4-6 months ofage. More than 10 percent of a baby's weight at birth is body fat, atabout 2-4 months body fat maybe 31 percent.Infants should gain about 1/2 to 1 oz. a day initially. Genetic factorsmay also influence weight gain, growth and eventual adult height. Breast fed babies who are obtaining enough milk usually wet between 5and 8 diapers every day.
Most medical providers want to follow your baby's weight gain andprogress carefully at first; this will give you the opportunity todiscuss any breastfeeding problems you have and to get help and adviceif needed. If you are unsure whether or not your baby is getting enoughmilk contact your health professional or lactation specialist.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding my baby?
- Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs and its free.
- Breast milk contains IGA antibodies which give an infant good protection against various infections.
- Breast feeding also helps you re-gain your pre-pregnancy body.
- Breast milk is convenient, readily available and never too hot, or too cold.
- Some studies link breast feeding with fewer problems of developing allergies when a child is older. This may include asthma and eczema.
How often do I need to feed my baby?
Every infant has his/her own preference for how they best breastfeed. A general suggestion is nursing every 2-3 hours the first 5-6weeks. During the first week it is not uncommon for a baby to haveabout 12-15 feeds in a 24 hour cycle. Your baby is establishing yourmilk supply so these frequent feeds are designed to help the breastsget use to doing this. After a good milk supply is established, yourbaby may nurse every 3-4 hours. However, their will be periods when shewants to feed more often. Your baby does this to cue the breasts tomake more milk to keep up with her growing body. Once the extra supplyis established the feeds will decrease again. This cycle will occurperiodically throughout your breastfeeding experience.
When your baby begins feeding she is taking in what is known asforemilk. This milk has a high water content and is designed to satisfya baby's thirst. The foremilk is followed by the hindmilk which is richin calories and will satisfy your baby's hunger. This is why it isimportant to let your baby feed for as long as she wants on the firstbreast before offering the other one. A routine involves a mother andinfant getting to know each other, and when the mother is ready tonurse, and an infant is hungry for calories. This is a great time toget to know each other, and savor the warmth of a tiny one snuggled upto your breast.
What if I need to be away from my baby?
A number of helpful breast pumps are available to parents atpharmacies, and through Lactation Specialists in your area, check withthem for further advice. Generally breast milk can be stored in therefrigerator for 24 hours, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. It'sgood idea to wait until about 2-3 weeks before pumping breast milk asyou and your baby are still establishing a feeding routine.
I am finding breastfeeding painful is this normal?
Initially breast tissue can be sensitive and painful as the infanthas not yet nursed and the mother is still learning the process. Itis a good idea to learn how to attach and detach your baby correctly toavoid soreness. Have your health practitioner show you how to do thisduring the first few days of breastfeeding. Ask for helpwith attachment every time you feed until you feel comfortable doing itcorrectly. This will avoid getting unnecessarily sore nipples beforeyou leave the hospital. If your baby has not gotten a good mouthful ofbreast, your nipples can become very sore.
Other causes of breast pain include mastitis and blocked ducts.
How long should I nurse at each feed?
There can be extremes of nursing time, generally one half an hour issufficient for most infants once a supply and demand routine has beenestablished by you and your baby. This may take several weeks toachieve. Make sure you nurse your baby on the first breast for as longas she wants so she gets the hindmilk. Offer the breast she didn'tempty at the next feed.
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