Is my baby getting enough?

QUESTION: I am writing concerning my breastmilk. My mother seems to think that I don't have enough milk for Austin. I feed him on demand and my milk doesn't leak out when I am not feeding. Should it. Also, Austin has a bowel movement every time I feed him afterwards? Is this normal?

I want to keep breastfeeding him and I have to return to work in 6 weeks and I can't pump my milk with a battery operated pump because I can't seem to get any to come out? What do I do?

Thanks

Wendy,

It certainly sounds like you are concerned about Austin not having enough milk! This is a common concern among new moms. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job by feeding Austin on demand because this is how you meet his needs and reassure a good established milk supply. Leaking is not a sign of milk! Some women leak while others do not. It is also normal for breastfed babies to have a bowel movement every time after mother breastfeeds! I have enclosed something that I hope you find helpful in knowing when breastfeeding is going well, and if you have any questions after you read it, please contact us again.

Wendy, it sound like you are doing a wonderful job. Continue breastfeeding Austin on demand and simply make sure that he breastfeeds at least 8-10 times in a 24 hour period. Austin needs to have at least 6 wet diapers and at least 4 soiled diapers, the soiled diapers need to have a mustard seedy appearance. I also recommend that you do not pump your breasts for at least 4-6 weeks until your milk is well established. Since you will be returning to work at 6 weeks, you can certainly start pumping when Austin is 4 weeks; however, make sure that you have a good quality pump such as a Medela Lactina Select, Ameda/Egnell Lact-e which you can rent or a Pump-In-Style or Purely Yours which you can buy. Battery operated pumps are designed for occasional usage and will not maintain your milk supply. Call a local lactation consultant or La Leche League to find out more about pumping and working. Good luck,

Yvonne C. Bannister, B Sc, CBC, LLLL, IBCLC

Baby's BestFeeding - How Do I Know My Baby Is Getting Enough?

In the womb, babies are being fed via a continuous drip. After birth, babies are in a state of quiet alertness for 1-2 hours as they explore their new surroundings. This is a good time to introduce your baby to your breast. Some babies even crawl up to their mother's breast if laid on their mother's stomach. Allow your baby to explore your breast and get a good feed. If she doesn't, don't worry since allowing her to explore your breasts will make it easier for her to latch on later.

Remember that babies don't know they may be hungry and will need to be reminded. So wake your baby and make sure he feeds 8-12 times in 24 hours. Keeping a Log of your baby's output will help you "see" how he is doing. If you are not sure what a wet diaper is, pour 3 tablespoons of water into a diaper and hold it in one hand while holding a dry diaper in the other hand and compare the weight.

Watch the baby and not the clock!! Start your baby on one breast and allow your baby to nurse as long as she wants. Burp and change your baby (this helps to wake the baby) and then offer him the other side. If she does not want it that's okay, just start with that side next time. You will be feeding your baby approximately every 2-3 hours. Timing the feeds means beginning at the start of a feed until the start of the next feed.

Keep in mind that feeding on demand does not mean waiting until your baby cries. Crying is the last signal babies give us to let us know something is wrong. Signs that the baby might be ready for a feed include:

*waking *sucking

*making sounds *brings fist to mouth

*rapid eye movement

*fidgeting/wiggling

*becoming alert/opening eyes *turning her head

*opening his mouth (rooting/searching)

Breastfeeding is not suppose to hurt, call La Leche League or a Lactation Consultant if you have nipple pain longer than 48 hours!!

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