The literature on breastfeeding, pediatricians, midwives, and qualified lactation consultants repeat ad nauseam that, with few exceptions diagnosed by specialists, all women can breastfeed their children and can produce enough milk.
But even so, since the breast is not transparent and we cannot see the amount it takes, it is logical that doubts assail the mother. Therefore, today we want to tell you what aspects you should take into account to know that your baby is feeding correctly.
Seven signs that your baby is feeding properly
According to the Lactation Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatricians and the Lact App lactation app, your child will be well fed if:
1) Gain weight
Their weight increases by about 150 to 200 grams per week , from the fifth day to four months of age. Babies usually lose between 4 and 6% of their weight and up to 10% in the first days of life. It is something physiological and it is normal for them to recover it within a week.
Pediatricians rely on percentile tables to assess the proper development of children, but don’t be obsessed with it either. They are “growth curves” in which the expected growth rates for the little ones are shown, according to their age and sex.
The 50th percentile is the mean. This means that a baby whose weight is in this percentile weighs or measures the same as 50% of babies or children of the same age and gender. But the rest of the values between the 3rd and 97th percentiles are considered equally normal. Therefore, only 3% of babies of any age may be underweight or overweight.
You may find useful the calculator provided by hospitals under the Initiative for the Humanization of Care at Birth and Lactation (BFHI) will allow you to know in what percentile of height and weight your baby is, according to the standards of the Organization World Health.
2) The frequency of the shots
Breastfeed at least 10 to 12 times a day . It should be borne in mind that they do not always suck because of ‘hunger’. Breastfeeding also satisfies other needs, such as the need for sucking, for comfort …
You do not have to keep an eye on the clock or stipulate the feedings every three hours at least, as was done in the past, but offer the breast on demand when the baby asks for it. That is why it is important to ignore ‘well-intentioned’ comments from people that if they see you with your baby at your breast they continually tell you that “you don’t have enough milk; this baby is hungry.”
3) Baby’s bowel movements
From the fifth day of life, the baby makes several poops a day , usually after each feeding, or more. Their stools are usually golden-yellow and soft.
After six weeks, the baby can go 10 days or more without staining the diaper, without it being a sign of constipation. When you finally do, they should be soft and yellow, that is, normal for a breastfed baby.
4) Urinate several times a day
A heavy, clear and regular pee is a sign that the baby is healthy, well fed and hydrated. You cannot quantify the number of times you should urinate (there is talk of at least 5-6 a day) but if you notice the diaper is drier than usual, ask your pediatrician.
It may be because you have breastfed less (because you are sick, upset, because it has not been offered frequently …), because you have sweated more than usual if it is hot or because you have a fever.
In summer, more than ever, remember that breastfeeding should always be on demand to ensure proper hydration on the hottest days.
5) Swallow well when sucking
You can hear him swallow when he breastfeeds . He is sucking well if it doesn’t hurt and you see him make slow movements of the whole jaw and swallow. No clicking sounds should be heard when the baby suckles.
Many times breastfeeding problems are due to a poor latch on the baby. There is no better position for breastfeeding than another: it should only be comfortable for the mother and ensure that the milk reaches the baby well.
As for the baby’s posture, it will be correct when the body is aligned so that the ear, shoulder and hips form a straight line.
You will know that the latch on the breast is good, if the chin and nose are touching the breast, with the lips outward, the baby’s neck is understood and there is more areola visible in the upper part of the mouth than in the lower part. In addition, your breast does not have to hurt, your cheeks should be rounded when sucking and the nipple comes out when the baby releases it.
6) The breasts are emptied
Your breasts are softer after breastfeeding. Remember that it is important to try to offer both breasts so that both are completely emptied and thus avoid problems such as mastitis or breast obstruction.
7) is well hydrated
His eyes are moist , his skin is moisturized, and he shows interest in looking at you or anyone who picks him up. It is important to watch for any signs of possible dehydration such as sunken fontanels, dry mouth and tongue, drowsiness, and irritability.
Knowing these signs will reassure you, and they will convince you that you are feeding your little one the most complete food you can offer: breast milk.
And just one last tip: if breastfeeding is difficult for you or you have doubts, contact a breastfeeding support group, made up of mothers like you and expert advisors on the subject.
Because in addition to feeding him, it is important that you enjoy (enjoy) those moments of tenderness and intimate mother-child contact. I tell you (from my own experience) that that wonderful feeling of complicity and love will never be erased from your memory.
In Babies and more | What does it mean to breastfeed on demand? The Myth of Breastfeeding Every Three Hours, Eleven Breastfeeding Problems and How to Fix Them, According to a Lactation Consultant
