When you give birth, you look out for every care possible and ways to keep your baby healthy, one of the things which play a huge role in a baby’s nutrition is breast milk. If you were feeding your baby with a bottle or are feeding your baby formulated milk, then the mother can determine that the baby is getting enough milk, but for a breastfeeding mother, it can be hard and confusing to determine if the baby is getting enough milk. As a mother, you may doubt whether your baby is getting enough milk or not. However, there are many signs that can help you ensure that your baby is getting enough milk.
Here are some signs by which you can know that your baby is getting enough milk –
- Weight gain – It is said that baby’s weight gain is one of the most significant signs that your baby is getting enough milk. When your baby is born – After 2 weeks of birth, they may rapidly gain weight from what they lose in the first 5 to 6 days of delivery.
- Diapers – You can also indicate that your baby is getting enough milk if you see regular wet and dirty nappies and diapers. Studies say that a sign such as 6 to 8 dirty diapers and nappies indicate an excellent supply of breastmilk to the baby.
- Sound – You can hear your baby swallowing the milk.
- Nature of feeding – When the babies feed first, there are rapid sucks which are followed by rhythmic, slow and occasional sucks. Other than that, you can also figure out that they are feeding if they appear calm and relaxed.
- Sleep – It is said that breastmilk ensures your baby’s good milk. So, if your baby sleeps well and does not get fussy a lot then you can make sure that your baby is drinking the milk.
- Face – The cheeks of your baby stay rounded and not hollow, the chin touches your breast, and that their nose isn’t pushed against your breast ensures that your baby is well attached to your breast.
- Satisfied – Your baby may feel satisfied and calm after the feed. Other than that, they may stop feeding once they are done and come off from the breast. \
- Other signs – There are others signs such as you may notice dark skin in your breast, maybe sleepy after the feed, etc.
If you don’t notice any such signs, then it may be possible that your baby is not getting enough milk. If you notice any such thing, you should talk to your pediatrician or gynecologist, and they may refer you to specific techniques or medicines. You can also perform certain activities or take help of certain things by which you can increase your breast milk supply.
– The first step you can follow is don’t make your baby habitual to bottle milk or formulated milk. Try to give your baby breastmilk, making them habitual of breastfeeding.
– Don’t give up on breastfeeding. Allow your baby to breastfeed as long as they want.
– Skin-to-skin contact also helps as it makes a bond with your baby, and also your baby will be more adapted to latching.
These were some of the tips you can follow to increase your breastfeeding supply so that your baby can get enough baby milk and help in the development of the baby in the short term and long term. Breast milk has tons of advantages, and a mother should always prioritize it.