Got
"Enough" Breastmilk?
Got "Enough" Breastmilk?
by Amy Spangler Eighty million babies are born each year - 4 million in the United States alone - and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding and human milk are the best choice for every baby with few exceptions.1 Breastfeeding and human milk provide countless benefits for mothers, babies, and families. Nonetheless only 60% of U.S. mothers initiate breastfeeding and fewer than 20% breastfeed 6 months or more in spite of the fact that breastfed babies have fewer illnesses, fewer doctor visits, and fewer hospitalizations.2 Even in countries outside the United States where breastfeeding is the cultural norm, many parents introduce foods other than breastmilk as early as 3-5 days after birth.3 When asked about this practice, the reason parents give most often is not enough breastmilk.4 It seems that parents everywhere have little confidence in their ability to meet their baby's needs. First time parents as well as seasoned veterans worry whether their baby is getting enough to eat. The availability of formula and the security that comes from knowing exactly how much a baby eats, has contributed significantly to the decline in breastfeeding rates. Often when a mother thinks her breastmilk supply is insufficient, her baby is actually getting all the milk he needs. With few exceptions, nearly every mother can produce enough breastmilk to nourish her baby or babies! While a small number of women are reported to have insufficient glandular tissue (too few milk-producing cells) this condition is rare. More often when a mother's breastmilk supply is low or a baby's weight gain is poor the cause is too little knowledge or too little support. Closing the Knowledge Gap The more milk you remove from the breasts through breastfeeding or
milk expression the more milk you will make. This is the concept of
supply and demand. Most women find that 8-12 breastfeedings in a
24-hour period usually produce an ample supply of milk.5
However, when you delay or skip breastfeedings or limit the length of
breastfeedings you often make less milk.
Know the Signs of Milk Removal If you know the signs of milk removal, you can be sure that your baby is getting enough to eat- look and listen. Listen for suckling and swallowing. Look for wet and soiled diapers. Remember, nothing comes out the bottom unless something goes in the top! A baby that is well-fed:
Watch Your Baby Not the Clock Every baby is different! Some babies will breastfeed every 2-3
hours, while others will breastfeed every hour for 3-5 feedings then
sleep for 3-4 hours. Some babies will breastfeed 10-15 minutes on each
breast, some will breastfeed 30-45 minutes on each breast, and others
will breastfeed 15-30 minutes on one breast only. While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby.
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