Babies don't come with instruction manuals and each baby is different.
So it is important to learn your baby's personality, cries, and hunger cues.
A baby will let you know when they need something; especially, if they are hungry.
When a baby is starting to show signs that he or she is hungry they may exhibit these signs: Early Signs of Hunger
You will need to possibly wake them up so that they can eat because if they don't eat every few hours their blood sugar can drop dangerously low quickly.
If your baby is too sleepy to wake up, you might have to try some of these techniques to wake them:
I know that most people say that you shouldn't wake up a sleeping baby, but it is important during the first few months.
So now that you and your baby are getting used to breastfeeding, you are probably wondering how much your baby is eating during a feeding.
There are several ways for you to ensure that your baby is getting enough to eat.
Diapers - A newborn should have around 6-8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period.
If your baby isn't getting enough milk, then they will have decreased urine output.
Your baby will also need to be evaluated by your pediatrician, contact their office for more advice.
Weight Checks - In the first few days after your baby is born, most doctors will want to see your baby in their office for a weight check and they will also check for jaundice.
If your baby isn't gaining weight, your pediatrician will advise you what to do.
Also, you can seek the advice of a certified lactation consultant who can help you and your baby.
Weigh Baby Before And After Feedings - This technique will allow your to know exactly how much your baby is eating.
Take your babies weight after you feed him or her and subtract that from the initial weight.
The difference in weight is an estimate of how many ounces your baby is eating.
Breast Pump - A breast pump can help you be able to estimate how much your baby is eating.
Some mom's will pump breast milk for outings or just to get their baby used to taking a bottle.
A pump isn't as effective as a baby but it can serve as a guide to determine how much your baby is eating during a nursing session.
Note: In the first few weeks you might only get a half an ounce to an ounce of milk a pumping session.
This is very good and don't get discouraged.
As your baby grows, your milk production will change.
(When my baby was a few weeks old, I got a max of two to three ounces combined.
As my baby got older, my output changed.
At 2 months, I would pump 3 to 4 ounces combined.
Now that my baby is 8 months, I am able to pump 5-7 ounces at a time combined.
I use a double electric breast pump which enables me to pump milk from both breasts at once.
) Crying - A baby who is hungry might suck on your breast and then pull away.
When they pull away they may cry in frustration.
However, don't assume they aren't getting enough breast milk without eliminating the possibility of something else going on with the baby such as gas, upset tummy, over-stimulation, over-tired.
For gas problems, try burping baby or give gas drops if you have your pediatrician's permission.
Young babies do need frequent burping too.
You will learn your babies cry and adapt to his or her needs fairly quickly.
Don't get frustrated, if one thing doesn't work, try another.
Supplemental Nursing System - If your baby is struggling with weight gain, your doctor might recommend supplementing.
This device allows you to continue to breast feed your baby, while the supplemental nursing system delivers additional nutrients to your baby while feeding.
It attaches to your breast and you continue to feed your baby as normal.
You can use breast milk or formula in the supplemental nursing system.
If you are still concerned with your baby's weight after examining these six suggestions, please consult with your child's doctor, health care provider or a certified lactation consultant.
So it is important to learn your baby's personality, cries, and hunger cues.
A baby will let you know when they need something; especially, if they are hungry.
When a baby is starting to show signs that he or she is hungry they may exhibit these signs: Early Signs of Hunger
- Rooting (Turning head towards shoulder)
- Smacking Lips
- Sucking on Fists
- Opens Mouth
- Starts Fussing
- Extreme Irritability
- Crying Loudly
- Sleeping Too Much Due to Lack of Energy
You will need to possibly wake them up so that they can eat because if they don't eat every few hours their blood sugar can drop dangerously low quickly.
If your baby is too sleepy to wake up, you might have to try some of these techniques to wake them:
- Tickle their feet
- Use a wet wash cloth on their backs or feet.
- Try to play with them or talk to them
- Change their diaper
- Take their clothes off
I know that most people say that you shouldn't wake up a sleeping baby, but it is important during the first few months.
So now that you and your baby are getting used to breastfeeding, you are probably wondering how much your baby is eating during a feeding.
There are several ways for you to ensure that your baby is getting enough to eat.
Diapers - A newborn should have around 6-8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period.
If your baby isn't getting enough milk, then they will have decreased urine output.
Your baby will also need to be evaluated by your pediatrician, contact their office for more advice.
Weight Checks - In the first few days after your baby is born, most doctors will want to see your baby in their office for a weight check and they will also check for jaundice.
If your baby isn't gaining weight, your pediatrician will advise you what to do.
Also, you can seek the advice of a certified lactation consultant who can help you and your baby.
Weigh Baby Before And After Feedings - This technique will allow your to know exactly how much your baby is eating.
Take your babies weight after you feed him or her and subtract that from the initial weight.
The difference in weight is an estimate of how many ounces your baby is eating.
Breast Pump - A breast pump can help you be able to estimate how much your baby is eating.
Some mom's will pump breast milk for outings or just to get their baby used to taking a bottle.
A pump isn't as effective as a baby but it can serve as a guide to determine how much your baby is eating during a nursing session.
Note: In the first few weeks you might only get a half an ounce to an ounce of milk a pumping session.
This is very good and don't get discouraged.
As your baby grows, your milk production will change.
(When my baby was a few weeks old, I got a max of two to three ounces combined.
As my baby got older, my output changed.
At 2 months, I would pump 3 to 4 ounces combined.
Now that my baby is 8 months, I am able to pump 5-7 ounces at a time combined.
I use a double electric breast pump which enables me to pump milk from both breasts at once.
) Crying - A baby who is hungry might suck on your breast and then pull away.
When they pull away they may cry in frustration.
However, don't assume they aren't getting enough breast milk without eliminating the possibility of something else going on with the baby such as gas, upset tummy, over-stimulation, over-tired.
For gas problems, try burping baby or give gas drops if you have your pediatrician's permission.
Young babies do need frequent burping too.
You will learn your babies cry and adapt to his or her needs fairly quickly.
Don't get frustrated, if one thing doesn't work, try another.
Supplemental Nursing System - If your baby is struggling with weight gain, your doctor might recommend supplementing.
This device allows you to continue to breast feed your baby, while the supplemental nursing system delivers additional nutrients to your baby while feeding.
It attaches to your breast and you continue to feed your baby as normal.
You can use breast milk or formula in the supplemental nursing system.
If you are still concerned with your baby's weight after examining these six suggestions, please consult with your child's doctor, health care provider or a certified lactation consultant.