August is National Breastfeeding Month. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, you want to make sure your baby is well-fed and comfortable. It’s a bit easier with formula feeding because you can measure the amount of milk your baby takes each feeding. However, you should still watch for signs they are getting enough. With breastfeeding, it’s not that simple. Here are four indications your baby is getting the milk they need.
1. Weight Gain
The most important sign your baby is feeding well is weight gain. In the first few days of life, your baby will lose weight, but after that, they should consistently gain weight. If this is the case, your child is getting enough nutrition.
2. Wet Diapers
After your child is five days old, wet diapers mean urine. If they are urinating regularly, with eight to 12 diaper changes per day, they are getting enough milk. After the first two weeks of life, the stool pattern can change. The average is once or twice a week, but you should watch the amount of urine they produce.
3. Growth Spurt
You may start to worry that your baby is not getting enough milk when, for no apparent reason, they want to be fed, what seems like, all the time. This may not be an indication your milk supply is wanting, it most likely is a growth spurt. There is no rule when growth spurts should occur, but the most common times are after 10 days, then around three to six weeks, and three to six months.
4. Sleeping Pattern
Your baby needs to be fed every two to three hours even throughout the night for at least two months. As they grow older, the time between feedings may become longer, but sleeping through the night is not an indication your child is not getting enough milk. Every baby is different when it comes to sleeping through the night. It may happen in three months or more. This is true for both breastfed and formula-fed babies.
If you watch for the above signs, you can rest assured your baby is getting enough nutrition for a healthy life. If you have additional questions or concerns, you can set up an in-person or telehealth appointment with us at WFMC Health.
Do you have more questions about keeping your baby healthy in Salem Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
