Breastfeeding moms can have a tough time knowing just how much breast milk their babies are consuming. As such, they want to ensure that for each feeding babies have, they are getting the number of ounces needed and filling their bellies to the point of satiation. But with babies being unable to communicate how full they are, mothers need to look for signs that their babies are getting the breast milk they need. And once those signs are realized, recognizing the difference between hungry and full becomes much easier.
The amount of breast milk and the number of times that babies nurse in a day change based on the age of the babies. The younger they are, the less their stomachs are able to hold meaning that they will have to nurse more frequently to get their daily calories met. Older babies will be able to have longer feedings, so there will not be as many in a day.
Regardless of the duration of a nursing session, however, it is always necessary to know if babies are full so that they are not solely focused on an empty stomach that causes them not to thrive and grow.
Here is how to tell if baby is getting enough breast milk when nursing.
Baby’s Weight Gain Is Consistent
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A very easy way to tell if babies are getting the nutrition they need is to look at whether they are gaining weight. Babies who are not getting enough breast milk will either stay at the same weight for stretches of time or even lose weight when the breast milk is not plentiful.
According to Dr. Sears, there are specific rates at which babies should gain weight up to the first year of life. That weight includes:
- Gain four to seven ounces per week for the first four weeks
- Gain one to two pounds per week until six weeks old
- Gain one pound per month from six months old to one year of age
If babies are following this growth in weight, then they are getting enough breast milk and are thriving.
Baby Has Consistently Wet & Soiled Diapers
When babies are getting the right amount of breast milk, their bodies are processing it quickly. This translates into many diapers being used.
According to Munchkin, there is a way to track whether babies are getting the proper nutrition via the diaper. And it all comes down to counting the number of soiled diapers.
That count, per publication included:
- 10 to 12 diapers per day for the first month of life
- Eight to 10 diapers per day for those who are one to five months old
- Eight diapers are normal for babies who are older than five months old
If babies are going poop three to four times per day during the first month of life, along with six or more wet diapers according to Munchkin, they are getting the right amount of breast milk. This number will decrease as babies get older, but the number of wet diapers should continue to outnumber soiled diapers regardless of age.
Baby Is Nursing Frequently
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At birth, babies’ stomachs are incredibly small. This means that they are only able to consume a tiny bit of breast milk at a time. As babies age, this changes and more milk can be drunk at one feeding.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, The number of times that babies should be breastfeeding includes:
- Babies will breastfeed every two to four hours from birth through five months old
- Babies will breastfeed on demand from six months old to one year of age
- Babies will breastfeed perhaps only in the morning and evening from one to two years of age
During the first several months of life, babies will breastfeed eight to 12 times per day, per publication. While it may seem like a lot, babies stomachs are continuing to grow and this means they are hungrier the larger they grow. Something that can only be done with the right amount of breast milk daily.
Baby Is Calm While Nursing
Babies who are squirming and cannot seem to settle themselves are not getting enough breast milk while they are feeding. This could be because of their latch being incorrect or the breast milk supply suddenly dropping.
Conversely, if babies are getting enough to eat, they are very calm while nursing. According to Healthline, this has to do with breast milk causing babies’ bodies to release hormones to help them sleep. Therefore, if babies are getting so calm as to fall asleep at the breast and are gaining weight while doing so, the amount of breast milk being consumed is appropriate.
Baby Is Alert & Awake Between Feedings
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Babies who are alert and happy during feedings are getting enough breast milk, according to the NHS. This means that they want to interact, play with their toys, and explore the world around them. It is when babies are consistently fussy between feedings and continuously wanting to be on the breast but not gaining weight that there is a problem.
Therefore, if babies do not want to interact and are acting tired, even though they are taking naps, an appointment with a healthcare professional is recommended.
Milestones Are Being Met
Babies who are exclusively breastfed and receive the proper nutrition are able to meet their milestones. Specifically, their gross motor skills.
According to ResearchGate, when babies were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and continued to breastfeed until 12 months of age, they had better gross motor skills than those who did not. As such, if babies are getting the proper nutrition while breastfeeding during this time, they will begin to develop their gross motor skills on schedule. Something that may not happen when nutrition is not being met via breastfeeding.
Source: Dr. Sears, Munchkin, Centers for Disease Control, Healthline, NHS, ResearchGate