Welcome back to the continuing instalments about breast feeding. Thank you for the many likes and shares. It is a subject close to our hearts.
I see some parents lose confidence because they cannot see or measure how much baby is drinking. Let’s look at some things that will reassure you that your baby is adequately fed.
There are several ways you can see that this is so by looking at baby and mum.
A combination of weight gain, good urine output and a content baby are good signs.
These indicators are widely used and accepted when looking at baby’s wellbeing.
Weight gain.
Accepted healthy gain is:
100-200g per week for the first 6 weeks;
500-1000g per month up to 6 months ( usually, Baby will have doubled birth weight at 6 months)and
500g per month for the next 6 months to 1 yr of age.
If baby is not reaching minimum weight gain, regularly, you may need advice from your Paediatrician, GP or Child Health Nurse.
Urine output.
With disposable nappies, a heavy nappy is a good indication of adequate output.
Content baby.
A baby who feeds well and sleeps well is definitely adequately fed.
Beware though, a baby who cries a lot might not be hungry or under fed. I will talk about this in a later edition of “What could possibly go wrong.”
Feeling that your breasts are full prior to a feed then well empty after a feed is a good sign.
Your breasts may feel a bit tender and hard when full and baby is due to feed.
After feeding, the breast should be soft and empty.
Offer the second breast only after the first breast has been adequately emptied.
Sometimes everything will go smoothly and you might wonder what all the fuss is about and some times, you might find it more confusing and overwhelming. Sometimes you will figure out why your baby is crying and sometimes you won’t. Try not to lose confidence in your feeding ability, especially if your other indicators are being met.
Try to look at the overall picture of how you and your baby are going.
Take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back and keep up the good work. It is OK to ask for help.
I hope this helps you continue/prepare for your breast feeding journey.
Next week, it’s all about the breast. Nipple issues and mastitis.
Until next week.
Kathy
If you have any questions or there are any topics you would like to see in future posts please don’t hesitate to get in touch.