Jan, mum to 5 day old Jake:
"It's awe-inspiring how your body just knows what to do but your
brain still worries! I sometimes wonder if I have enough milk for my
baby and how long I'll be able to keep on breastfeeding him."
Don't worry, be happy
It may feel like you've landed on a new planet, but try not to worry
about how things are going. Stress can affect your milk production.
Get the latch right
If you feel your baby is not getting enough milk make sure he is
latched on correctly. Revert back to the basics of breastfeeding and
breastfeeding products to ensure you have it right. If you are unsure,
seek advice from a health professional. Make sure you are positioned
comfortably and then bring baby close to you. Ensure he is stable and
use extra pillows if necessary. Support your breast and your baby and
encourage him to open wide, whilst bringing him directly onto the
breast. The short sucks at the beginning of a feed will stimulate your
milk to flow.
Tiny tummy
It is important to be aware that your newborn's tummy is tiny. In the
first days and weeks, he will only need small quantities of milk, fed
regularly. The tummy size in the first few days is often likened to a
marble and will only grow to the size of a large hen's egg by six weeks.
As your baby grows, his stomach will get bigger so that he can take in
more milk at each feed and you don't have to feed him so often!
But how does breastfeeding mom know?
One of the easiest ways to ensure he is getting enough is to look at
what comes out! In the early days it will be at least 3 bowel movements
per day. Many breastfed babies will continue to have frequent bowel
movements whilst in others the number decreases after the first 4 - 6
weeks. Wet nappies should also be frequent, at least 6 per day. The
presence of a pinky staining in the nappy could be an indication of
reduced fluid intake and professional advice should be sought.
You can always have your baby measured and weighed to check he's on
track, but providing he is alert, has plenty of wet and dirty nappies
and settles after a feed on most occasions, you can be happy that he is
doing well. As you spend more time with your baby, you will get better
at interpreting his needs and understanding that sometimes his cries
mean that he is hungry but other times he may just be tired, bored or
just wants some company. Trust your instincts. Mum knows best.
Growth spurts
There are times when it seems that your baby can't get enough milk.
This is usually as a result of what are called growth spurts; they tend
to last a day or so, but can be very tiring for mum, as baby can be very
demanding. Take your time; don't worry, feed on demand and know that
these phases pass. If your baby continues to seem upset, don't hesitate
to ask for help or advice.
Mummy's role
Don't forget that not only are you feeding yourself, you are feeding
your baby too. Being a new mum can be overwhelming but make sure you
stop and eat and even add an extra snack or two throughout your day to
keep your energy levels up for you and your baby. This will ensure your
body's functions are working effectively and will support the production
of milk.
Supply and demand
Your milk production is all about supply and demand. The more your
baby demands, the more your body supplies. During a growth spurt, you
may find yourself increasing the number of feeds and your milk supply
will increase in response. If you feel that you are not producing enough
milk, seek advice from a lactation expert. She may advise you to
consider using a breast feeding pumps to stimulate your body to produce
more milk.
Don't be afraid to ask
If you feel that you are not satisfying the feeding needs of your
baby for whatever reason, don't be afraid to ask. Books and websites
provide a great way to get information but if you are concerned then
your doctor or Health Visitor will be able to help. Talking with other
mums is also very helpful and in many areas there are mother groups that
meet for coffee or a chat. Your maternity hospital, local healthcare
centre, midwife or lactation consultant will be able to point you in the
right direction.
About the Author
by Sherya Singh
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