Question: How will I know my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
fall 2005 – volume 2, issue 4
Debbie Kijowski responds:
Remember the more milk baby removes from the breast the more milk you will produce. It is important that you are able to recognize when your baby is drinking effectively on the breast.
You will know your infant is getting enough breastmilk when your baby:
• is content after feeds
• may breastfeed as often as 8 – 12 times in a 24-hour period.
• has normal amount of wet and dirty diapers based on their age.
• softens your breast after they have fed
• has long, deep rhythmic sucks for a minimum of 10-20 minutes.
It is also important to avoid unnecessary introduction of other fluids as this can result in poor sucking habits for the infant and decreased milk supply for mom.
Remember, breastfeeding is an evolving process and you will both improve with practice.
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