Article Surfing Archive

Whether this is your first child or your seventh, sometimes breastfeeding can seem a little daunting. Some of the questions new mothers ask are "how do I know my baby is getting enough milk," "how often should I feed him," "how do I know if my milk has come in," and, "should I wake my baby up to feed her?"

Let's discuss the answers to these questions.

How will I know when my milk is here?
Your milk is present even before your baby is born; it's just not yet recognizable as such. This milk is a thin liquid known as colostrum. Colostrum is very concentrated and contains all of the necessary nutrients your baby needs to boost his immune system. Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, ensuring that, for the first few days until your milk comes in, your baby will be well nourished. Eventually, over the course of a few days, you will notice a tightening in your breasts that is only relieved by allowing your baby to suckle at the breast.

Until your body adjusts to the needs of your baby, your breasts may become engorged (swollen and hard) and sore. This is easily relieved by your feeding your baby. Often, breast fed babies like to be fed more than those who are fed formula. This is because breast milk is thinner than formula, and is digested much more easily. If you are breastfeeding, expect to feed your baby every 2-3 hours. This is not a hard and fast rule. Some babies get hungry more frequently than others, other babies may go slightly longer between feedings.

How do I know if my baby eating enough?
Your baby will let you know. If she is hungry, she'll tell you by crying. It won't be long before you can distinguish which cry means she is hungry, needs a diaper change, or just wants a cuddle!

Another way to know if he's getting enough is to keep an eye on his weight. If he's gaining a few ounces a week, he's obviously getting enough. The best way to monitor this is to take him to the pediatrician.

Also, keep checking her diapers. If they are nice and wet and she soils them regularly you can be assured she is getting enough.

Should I wake my baby up for a feeding?
You may occasionally need to wake your baby to feed him, especially if he is not already eating eight times within a 24 hour period. New babies tend to sleep a lot, and sometimes become so comfortable that they don't wake when its time to eat. If you let your baby sleep through too many feedings during the day, she may decide to stay awake all night! It's important to set a pattern. Little tricks, like changing your baby's diaper, are a good way of waking them (without making you feel guilty). If your baby misses a lot of feedings, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. He or she will let you know if your baby is doing okay.

Breastfeeding is nothing to be nervous about. After all, women have been breastfeeding babies for millennia. If you are still nervous, or have any questions, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor or to a lactation consultant.