Breastfeeding should be taught as a course on its own! It is easy to assume it comes naturally when around experienced mums who have nurse a baby for a long time or have more than one child. These breastfeeding basics will get you on track.
IS MY BABY GETTING SUFFICIENT MILK?
This is one of the most common questions new mums ask.
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Breastfeeding Mums can’t measure how much milk baby is getting except they express. Most times, mum’s are left feeling confused as to whether the baby is getting any or sufficient milk at all. Not to worry.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
1. WEIGHT GAIN:
This is the number one way to know if a baby is getting enough milk. It is normal for your baby to lose up to 5-7% of his birth weight in the first week of life. However, he should have regained this weight by Day 14 at the most. Failure to do this means baby isn’t getting enough milk. After 2 weeks, a baby should gain about 150-200g per week.
2. WET AND POO DIAPERS:
Up till day 5-7 of baby’s life, your baby should have an additional wet diaper per day. I.e 1 wet diaper on day 1- 2 wet diapers on day 2 e.t.c. After Day 7, your baby should average 6 wet diapers daily. Pour 3 tablespoons of water into a newborn diaper. That’s what a wet diaper should feel like. Baby’s pee should be cloudless and mild in smell. He should have at least 3 poo diapers daily. His poo should be greenish- yellow and seedy. It’s normal for some babies to poo after each feed.
3. BREASTS FEEL LIGHTER :
After each feed, mum’s breasts should feel a lot lighter. This signifies that the breast has been emptied.
Other signs to watch out for include swallowing and baby attaining Developmental Milestones appropriate for his age. Good luck Mama!
