To know if a baby is getting enough breast milk, look for several key signs:
- Frequent nursing: A well-fed baby typically nurses about 8-12 times in 24 hours, especially in the first few weeks. They may cluster feed sometimes, and feed sessions last roughly 20-45 minutes initially.
- Swallowing sounds and jaw movement: When feeding, you should be able to see the baby’s jaw moving rhythmically and hear them swallowing, indicating milk intake.
- Baby’s behavior after feeding: The baby seems content and relaxed, often letting go of the breast on their own. Their cheeks stay rounded while sucking, and they show signs of satisfaction.
- Wet and dirty diapers: After the first 4-5 days, expect at least 6 wet diapers (heavy) and 3-4 yellow, seedy stools per day.
- Weight gain: Babies normally regain their birth weight by 10-14 days old and gain about 155-240 grams (5.5-8.5 ounces) weekly for the first few months.
- Baby’s alertness and activity: When awake, the baby is alert and meets developmental milestones.
Signs that may suggest the baby is not getting enough milk include lethargy, infrequent feedings (less than 8 times in 24 hours), poor weight gain, few wet or dirty diapers, and lack of swallowing sounds during feeds. Monitoring these signs collectively helps ensure the baby is feeding adequately and thriving on breast milk.