FAQ’s
How do I know if my baby’s latch is correct?
You want to make sure your baby has a good latch so that he’s able to have an efficient suck, remove milk effectively, and so that you do not experience any nipple breakdown.
Here are a few things to look for to ensure a good latch:
Your baby’s tongue should be below your nipple.
Your baby’s lips (top and bottom) should be flanged (like a fish mouth).
Your nipple and most of the areola (especially the bottom portion) should be inside your baby’s mouth. If your baby does not have a wide, deep latch, you will experience pain and nipple breakdown.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. This is a very common concern for new parents. Why wouldn’t it be? After all, you can’t see how much breastmilk your baby is actually consumes.
Did you know?
Women produce something called colostrum. Colostrum is very nutritious and contains a high level of anti-bodies, which fight off infections and bacteria. Colostrum will nourish your baby in the first few days of feedings before your milk comes in.
While your baby is eating, you should be able to hear him/her swallow. This will confirm that they’re at least getting something!
When your milk finally comes in, the amount your baby intakes will increase.
Reassuring signs to know your baby is getting enough breastmilk.
Your baby will begin to gain weight. Just keep in mind that your baby will potentially lose up to 10% of its bodyweight in the first 2-3 days.
Once your baby completes its feeding, he/she will normally pull themselves off, or fall off the nipple due to a relaxed state. Unless your baby is struggling with blood sugar, low birth weight, high birth weight, or was a premie, your baby will become content and satisfied after feeding.
Your baby’s blood sugar will be normal. At your newborn check-ups, a routine blood sugar check will likely be done on your baby. If those results are normal, you can rest assured, knowing your baby is getting the right amount of calories he/she needs.
How often should I feed my baby?
It’s normal for your baby to want to eat every 1.5 to 3 hours. As they get older, they’ll slowly start to nurse less often and fall into a more predictable pattern. Your baby should be eating 8-12 times a day.
Should I wake my baby for feedings?
Most babies need 8-12 feedings each day (usually feed every 2-3 hours). While waking up your baby while sleeping might seem like a bad idea, establishing frequent feedings early on are important for these two main reasons:
Crying is a late sign of hunger. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you’ll need to soothe a frantic baby. While your baby is sleeping, you can look for early signs of hunger, such as hand-to-mouth activity, smacking lips, and rooting/stirring.
Frequent feedings support early breast feeding. Waking your baby for frequent feedings will help you establish your milk supply.
What if my baby wakes before it’s time to feed him/her?
You shouldn’t make your baby wait until 2-3 hours has passed to eat if she is crying or actively sucking on her hands, or showing interest in breastfeeding. If your baby wants to breastfeed sooner than 2 hours, it’s always appropriate to breastfeed at that time, even if the last feeding was recent. You don’t need to worry that your breast is “empty” or not. Your breasts are continuously producing milk. There’s always more milk available for your baby.
How long should a feeding session last?
Don’t remove your baby from the breast. Allow him to tell you when he’s done with the first breast. You’ll know when he’s had enough when he removes himself from the breast or when he stops sucking for a long period of time (longer than a few minutes). It’s always a good idea to offer both breasts in one feeding, even if your baby seems satisfied after feeding on just one side. Your baby may or may not take the second side, just follow his/her cues.
Feeding times can vary from baby to baby and the age of your baby. Sometimes they’ll be satisfied after 5-10 minutes of feeding, and other times they’ll nurse for 20-40 minutes.
When can I stop waking my baby for feedings?
You can start feeding your baby when he wants to eat after the following:
Breastfeeding is well established
Your baby has been to the pediatrician once or twice and is back to birth weight (goal is to be back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age).
You can stop waking him for feedings, as long as he continues to grow well and produce plenty of wet and dirty diapers.
Why does my baby want to breastfeed so much in the evening?
It’s normal for your baby to choose a time when she wants to have frequent feedings. This is commonly called “cluster feeding,” during which she typically has long feedings with short breaks in-between. She might breastfeed almost nonstop for several hours. She may also be fussy or unsettled during cluster feeding time. Some moms think this means they have a low milk supply. It’s important to understand that the way your baby behaves isn’t a reliable sign of how much milk she’s drinking.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding women's prolactin (hormone that makes milk) levels are significantly higher at night, particularly in the wee hours of the morning. Babies often want to nurse at night because quite simply, there's more milk at night!
How much should newborns eat?
The most dependable way to judge the milk supply is by your baby's growth pattern and diapers. If she's gaining weight then she's getting enough milk, no matter how fussy she might be or how long she might cluster feed in the evening.
On a daily basis, your baby's diapers are the best indicator of whether she's had enough to eat. From age five days up to six to eight weeks, she should have at least five or six sopping wets and three or four palm-sized yellow bowel movements every 24 hours. After six to eight weeks, some babies develop a pattern of fewer bowel movements but should continue with at least five or six sopping wets along with a good weight gain.
