Is baby getting enough

Information on breast feeding: Tips and suggestions for the nursing mom to see if baby is getting enough milk. Learn what other breastfeeding moms know.

Many women worry because they cannot judge just how much milk their baby is getting from nursing. However, breastfeeding mothers can tell with some simple cues from their infant, whether or not baby is getting enough. If the following list is happening regularly with your baby, he is probably getting enough milk at his feeding sessions.

1. Baby nurses eight to twelve times a day for 10 to 20 minutes on each breast during the first month. By the third month, baby is nursing five to eight times a day and seems generally contented between feeding times. 2. Baby sleeps between feedings. Nap times may be from one hour to three hours. 3. Baby has at least six wet diapers per day and urine is a pale yelowish color. Bowel movements do not count as wet diapers, only urination does. 4. When baby has bowel movements, they are either frequent and small, or less frequent and large. Bowel movements should be regular and coincide with feedings. 5. Baby gains an average of four to six ounces a week during the first month. By the third month baby gains approximately six to eight ounces a week. Weight gain varies considerably, and should be done at your doctor’s office as home weighing can be deceiving.

As long as your baby is alert, has bright eyes and good skin tone and doesn’t seem overly fussy between feedings, baby is probably getting enough milk. You should never compare your baby’s weight gain to that of other babies. All babies gain weight at different rates and no two infants are alike, even if they are siblings. Also remember that infants have sucking needs beyond their feeding needs. Baby may want to continue to suck even though his or her belly is full, and baby’s desire to suck is not a good indicator of hunger.