How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about breastfeeding and the answer is surprisingly straightforward.As long as your baby is: waking and alert before a feed, takes the feed well, settles between feeds and has lots of wet and dirty nappies, he will probably be getting enough. This is a simplification and all babies stray from the rules because they don 't know what the rules are!
Your baby may feed more frequently during the evenings, but this can also be said of formula fed babies. Weight gain will vary but, on average, it will be less than a formua fed baby. Some weeks your baby may gain a whole pound, whilst others, it could be as little as a few ounces.
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Your breast should feel soft and relaxed after a feed is complete. I say breast because you will probably only need to feed from one side at a time. It is very important to finish one breast before changing over to the second. This is because, the feed is made up of two types of milk. The first is sometimes referred to as foremilk and is watery to quench your babies thirst. The second is sometimes referred to as hindmilk and contains the bulk of the calories to satisfy your baby. If you were to switch over to the second breast too early, your baby could drink too much foremilk ,get overful, but still seem unsatisfied. This is a common problem, which can easily be helped by following these simple guidelines:
 Let your baby feed on demand, for unrestricted periods and he will eventually settle into a pattern.
Every few weeks, you may find that your baby needs more feeds than usual. This does not mean that your milk supply has run out, but your baby is probably going through a growth spurt.
Feed more often, as and when the baby demands and within 24-48 hours things will have settled down and you will be producing enough milk to cope with your babies growing needs.
It is all about supply and demand and this is how your breasts make sure that your baby is getting enough.
© Sharon Trotter
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