It is not unusual for first-time moms to wonder if the baby is getting enough milk from the breast. After all, breastmilk could not be measured.
The first few days after the baby arrives, the first milk is called colostrum, which is thick and sticky but nutritious and essential for the baby's immune system. The baby will likely latch 8-12 times in one day. The frequent feeding helps the new mom produce plenty of milk for the baby, Motherly says.
How to Spot if the Baby is Well-feed?
The La Leche League International cites the following signs that the baby is well-fed:
- Baby seems content when fed and releases the breast on their own. The baby may make a fist before providing or if they are hungry, but the grip would relax if the baby has had enough milk;
- Baby's poop turns yellow with a loose and seedy texture on the baby's fifth day. The baby should also have 3-4 stools every day by day 4.
- Urine volume increases each day. The baby is expected to use at least two wet diapers over 24 hours by day two. As the baby turns five days old, the baby's caregivers would notice that they need to change diapers around six or more times in one day.
- The baby is gaining weight and is alert and active when awake.
How to Know if the baby is not getting enough milk?
- The baby is spending little or too much time at a breast. A poorly fed baby may sleep after they start feeding.
- Latching is painful, and the baby seems not to be latching well.
- The baby is not stooling often, usually three to four stools per day.
Why does the mom have a low milk supply?
Today's Parents describe common reasons why there is a low milk supply:
- Some breasts may not have enough "milk-making" ducts to ensure the baby's needs. Ducts tend to grow, and breastfeeding stimulates more milk ducts; hence, breastfeeding may not be a problem with the second or third baby. Experts recommend continuing breastfeeding as it enables the milk ducts to produce more milk to support the baby's immune system, brain development, and nutritional needs.
- The baby has a tongue-tie. In some cases, the baby may have difficulty getting milk from the breast as they may have tongue-tie. A thin membrane of tissue at the bottom of his mouth holds the tongue too tightly, so he has difficulty latching and extracting the milk. Check the baby for possible tongue-ties. The doctors can clip the membrane, improving the baby's ability to feed.
- Not feeding at night or frequently can contribute to a drop in milk supply. Experts recommend reintroducing feeding at night and having frequent feeding to enhance milk supply.
- Supplementation, like when a baby is given formula supplements, they tend to get less food or milk from the breast, prompting the breast to create less milk. Continuous pumping from the breast can help promote a higher milk production volume.
