new at this thing

[newmom092308]

How do I know if my 2 week old daughter is getting enough milk. At first she was on each breast 12-16 mins.and unlatch herself. Now im lucky if she stays on a whole 10 mins. sometimes during the day.Im worried that shes just using my breast as a pacifier and not really hungry all the time.

[Marsha_Bearden]

Is she nursing very frequently since she doesn't nurse for very long? Does she awaken often on her own for a feed?

The best way to make sure your daughter is getting enough Breastmilk is to feed often and if in doubt, get a weight check. Has she regained to her birth weight? She should be urinating often and having several poops per day.

She may nurse 12-16 times in 24 hours. If she seems to fall asleep easy at the breast, you can do some breast compression while she is on the breast to keep her actively nursing longer.

Look for other signs of milk transfer such as your breast softening after a feed, hearing her swallow, visibly seeing milk in her mouth. If she comes off the breast spontaneously seeming content, then she probably had a good feed.

Don't be worried about her using you as a pacifier....many babies will want to nurse soon after a feed. If she acts like she wants to nurse when it has been 20 minutes since her last feed, allow her to nurse again. This is how you can be more reassured she is getting enough.

Her weight gain should be around 1oz per day.