Question on Breastfeeding ..advice pls :) How do i know if he is having enough ?

Paula - posted on 06/04/2012

if you have abrest feeed clinic close to you gothere with your baby they will wiegh him before he eats then half way through and then at the end. that will tell you if he is getting enough, if you are leaking you are deff. producing try pumping that will also tell you how much you produce. good luck its a beautifull thing to breastfreed
hope all goes well

Sarah - posted on 06/04/2012

Do do not offer any formula... Firstly you will be sending your body the wrong message of how much milk baby needs, and ultimately start to lose your supply. Secondly you will get really sore from engorgement if you don't work on emptying those boobs. If you think baby is still hungry simply offer the breast more often. Breasted babies sometimes eat as often as every hour but usually they will eat every 2-3 hours. Your body will learn how much milk your baby needs:) if you are worried about weight gain breast feed more frequently and keep track of wet and poopy diapers. Good luck I am sure you are doing great!

Alexandra - posted on 06/04/2012

you can always call your pediatrician. You can go see a lactation consultant for her to help you with feeding positions and relief of breast size.
I had to pump every two hours and give the milk from the bottle because my baby would fall asleep at my breasts and I wanted to make sure he had enough. It is much better to control it that way.

Elena - posted on 06/04/2012

put him on both breast each feeding, and start next feeding with the breast he had last as he's likely didn't drain it

Stifler's - posted on 06/04/2012

It probably means he's full. I wouldn't give him formula after a breastfeed if you want to keep feeding. It will decrease your milk supply especially if he's only 5 days old you need to be feeding him whenever he wants on the boob. If you pump and don't get much it doesn't mean you don't have enough milk it usually just means your breasts don't respond to the pump as well as they do your baby.

Hella - posted on 06/04/2012

This is perfectly normal. You know he gets enough once he stops eating. Just follow his lead! If he is crying he might be hungry, if he is sleeping, well he is not. :) Sometimes he want to nurse more often, sometimes less often, he will give you a sign (sucking his thumb, or just simply crying -every baby is different,-). You don't need formula at all. Just trust him. If he eats often, you will have more milk, if he eats less often, you will have less milk. Your body will naturally follow his needs. Don't be nervous, just relax. Give him both of your breast so he can drain both, and it will not hurt you if it gets full. :) Good luck! And you made a good choice to breast feed your baby, that is the best for them.

Dawn - posted on 06/04/2012

Don't give him formula after feeding! If he eats until he stops himself he is getting plenty. If he wasn't getting enough he would be inconsolable. You are doing great and giving him so many more health advantages. Just keep nursing and try to keep it up for six months minimum. You are doing great. You don't need a bottle.

Ashley - posted on 06/04/2012

He is getting enough and he won't take the formula because once they taste breast milk they don't like it anymore! It will eventually be 20 minutes per breast every feeding and then 30... His system is just still adjusting to the change in food just like he would if you had switched kinds of formula

Kristen - posted on 06/04/2012

It sounds like everything is going well. I would stop offering formula at all. If he wants more just leave him on the breast longer or offer him both at each feeding. The more he tries to get the more you will produce. My little guy is 6 weeks now and when he was a few days old he would go 20 minutes on each side for every feeding. Good luck.

Rebecca - posted on 06/04/2012

your doing great.. congrats on your new baby. i had my baby girl on may 15th. she is my 4th. it also sounds like you need to do some pumping. then freeze what you pump out. that way you wont get to full and hurt. good luck

Lisa - posted on 06/04/2012

Your baby seems to be transitioning fine!! The baby knows when and how much to eat. Just offer him and feed him whenever he seems hungry. I breastfed 4 children. I feel it is healthier and so much easier. Ask your doctor if you are overly concerned about how much he is getting by how many wet diapers should be for each day. :)

Chelly - posted on 06/04/2012

Sounds like you're doing great :)

Candace - posted on 06/04/2012

Congratulations! If your son is peeing and pooping (stools may look and smell different on milk rather than formula) he is getting enough. He should be nursing from both sides about every 3-4 hours, that means either both sides at once OR nursing on one side and then nursing on the other side about 1/2 or 2 hours later.
Once your feeding schedule is well established some of the swelling and leaking will go down, in the mean time you can use a hot or cold compress if you are uncofortable. Also applying pressure to the breast can help with leaking. In the early days of nursing my 3 sons I would use my forearm to apply pressure to the breast not being nursed at during feeding to help prevent some of the let-down and leaking on that side.
Good luck with nursing, just stick to it and you will do fine :)

Traci - posted on 06/04/2012

Don't panic! Your baby and your milk are doing the job! Babies stomachs when first born are only about the size of a marble, as your baby grows, his stomach size will grow too. As this happens, your milk will keep up the production. I was told "If they suck it, it will come!" And so very true, after I had breastfeed both my children until they were one. If your baby is content after the two feedings, no need to bottle feed. If the baby is relaxed, and not rooting around, the baby is full. If this changes, the baby may need to be fed more often, to help build up your milk supply or speak with your doctor if the nursing just doesn't seem to be feeling right.

congratulations on your new bundle of joy. Breastfeeding can be difficult somedays, know that you are not alone and that you and your baby will make it through this beautiful bonding experience together!

Diana - posted on 06/04/2012

Breast fed babies will feed when they need to and stop when they're full. Unless there's some other medical problem, everything will be fine. My 5 were breast fed on demand with no other food until they were several months old, and all are strong, healthy kids...well, teens and young adults now. None of them have problems with their weight, which can be a result of too much formula or solid /rich/sweet food too early.
If you are huge and leaking, there is obviously plenty there on demand. In time, your milk supply and your baby's appetite will balance out and it will all be easier.
If you're still worried, ask your GP or midwife to weigh your little boy. I'm guessing he'll be just fine.
Above all, enjoy your time cuddled up with your baby. From my experience, it was a wonderful intimate time that made a strong foundation for an ongoing very close relationship with each of mine. ♥

Amy - posted on 06/04/2012

Your baby will get enough from breastfeeding. There is no reason to keep supplementing with formula. Let your child eat when he is hungry and stop when he is full. It will set up a lifetime of healthy eating for him to eat now based on his hunger.

Breastfed babies eat more frequently than formula fed babies- and thats ok.

After a few weeks your breasts will regulate to what he is eating and you won't under or over produce significantly.

When his feeding needs increase it will take a few days for your breasts to catch up- perfectly ok. If you keep letting him nurse your breasts will catch up usually about a 2 day lag time. If you supplement with formula your breasts will not know they need to make more and won't catch up.

Just keep nursing, everything will be fine. This is the system your body and your baby have evolved to make work. It may not always be easy, but you can make it work.

If you need some reassurance call your local La Leche Leage leader and they will be able to talk with you about it and suggest other local places for support.

Beth - posted on 06/04/2012

If he seems content after a feeding, and stops eating on his own, and is peeing normally and regularly, things are likely just fine. Maybe talk to his pediatrician if you're still unsure. Good luck to you! Breastfeeding is an amazing and such a worthwhile experience.

Karen - posted on 06/03/2012

Congrats on sticking with Breastfeeding!!!! If he is wetting and pooing your good to go. He will stay on the breast until he's full - then PUMP that baby dry. I prefer hand pumps vs the (electric) machine milkers, LOL! Make sure you flip sides rotating starting sides. If you have any questions chat with your lactation consultant from the hospital or get in touch with one. As for boobs leaking - get nursing pads or make your own and you will leak if your in range of another baby crying as well so don't be surprised with that.

I was asked all the time by my mil - how do you know they are getting enough - uhhh as my boobs deflate I have boob markers that have amount of ounces he drank, LOL! Yep I had one of those mil. Good Luck, stick with it - it's a wonderful experience and it's why GOD gave you boobs, too!

Debbie - posted on 06/03/2012

I agree with Dove and Sarah 100%.

Tina - posted on 06/03/2012

If he's is a good weight pooing and weeing fine. He's probably getting enough. Try not to worry. Hard I know. You'll know if it's not enough by he's wee's he'd get dehydrated and there would be orange spotting in his nappy and possibly jaundice. But sounds like you're doing fine. Good on ya mum you're doing fine.

Jaymie - posted on 06/03/2012

Hi, congrats on your new baby :). I am currently breast feeding and I fretted about the same thing!! Does your baby still get weighed? That's what you look at. I stressed hard out for a week because I didn't think she was getting enough, only to find out she had gained a pound in a week!
My advice is, don't stress otherwise it could affect your milk. If your baby is peeing and pooing then he must be getting enough, after all...what goes in, must come out. And trust that if your baby is hungry, he'll tell you!! I so do hope you get it sorted, breastfeeding is so fun so good luck.

Polina - posted on 06/02/2012

Congratulations on the baby and being able to breastfeed. Your baby is getting enough. If he did not, he would take the formula or would cry for more food. Also, there is a great source of information about how much milk a woman produces and how much babies drink and other breastfeeding questions:
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/normal.ht...
http://kellymom.com/category/bf/normal/

Karen - posted on 06/02/2012

You are doing Great! You must be a first time momma? I am too, but my son is a year old now and I learned a ton in that first year! You are doing very well! It sounds like you are producing MORE than enough if you are leaking between feedings. If you wanted to, you could even pump and freeze that extra milk to keep that production level high! 20 minutes is a perfect feeding time! After he burps do you offer the other breast to make sure he's full? I'm sure he IS full. As long as he is gaining weight, peeing and pooping like a champ, you are doing everything just right!!!! It IS hard to know if your child is getting enough to eat when you exclusively breastfeed because you can't keep track of ounces. Rest assured if he is not acting hungry after a feeding, he isn't hungry any more! Personally, I did what you are doing, feeding just one breast at a time, but I would pump the un-nursed breast right after a feeding, then still offer that breast at the next feeding (so feed right, pump left, feed left pump right) at Every feeding and I ended up with around 350oz Frozen in my freezer in less than 6 months! (I donated the extra milk). I am going to warn you, eventually he is going to hit his first growth spurt and you are going to feel like you cannot keep up with him. You will feel like all he is doing is eating and you will second guess yourself and your milk supply. This is Normal! Just let that baby nurse as long and as often as he wants to and your milk supply will stay strong and he will get enough food and he will do just fine! Good Job Momma!

Katrina - posted on 06/02/2012

If he is not taking the formula he is already satisfied. The great thing about breastmilk is that it's already warmed at the perfect temperature for baby and your body will naturally make more or less of it, depending on your babies requirements. If he settles after a breastfeed then he's had enough. If you're concerned that you're not making enough milk, talk to a lactation consultant - sounds to me that you've got it under control though. Well done mummy!! xxx

Rebecca - posted on 06/02/2012

Leslie, sounds like the baby is getting enough milk if he is pooping and peeing regularly and doesn't want any supplemental formula after breastfeeding 20 min. each side. You're doing great! Incidently, I've seen small boobs produce a ton of milk and great big jugs produce very little! Go figure! Good luck with your baby and trust yourself.

Ann - posted on 06/02/2012

I would not bother with formula. If you are leaking, that means that you are producing a sufficient amount of milk. The leaking will decrease over time. I produced so much milk that I had to pump when my daughter slept or between feedings. You can freeze pumped breast milk for the times that you are away from your baby or when you need a break. Congratulations on your little one!

COMIS - posted on 06/02/2012

Please don't give him formula or your milk supply will decrease dramatically. Babies this young will eat almost constantly. Sometimes they will "eat" for 45 minutes, but really most of that is just sucking, which soothes them. This constant sucking at this age helps bring your milk in. His peeing and pooping makes it sound like he is indeed getting enough. Your boobs should be huge and, yes, mine leaked ALL the time at that age. It will settle down in a couple months after your supply has adjusted to your baby. It sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work! And congrats!

Megan - posted on 06/02/2012

As long as he is pooping and peeing, he is getting enough. If you are really worried, you can always call your ped's office and ask to bring him in to be weighed. My drs office does that and the appointment is cheaper because it's just a weigh in. They also sell scales you can buy for him. Keep up the good work! :)

~♥Little Miss - posted on 06/02/2012

My kids fed every 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. BFing babies tend to eat more often.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 06/02/2012

Stop giving him formula. He will take what he needs from you, and if he seems like he did not get enough like he is not satisfied, pop him on the other boob. He is getting plenty. And congratulations!

Angie - posted on 06/02/2012

Your baby will let you know if he is hungry - carry on breast feeding I did 10 mins on side one then as long as my baby wanted on second breast - feed every three hours during the day and then leave him at night till he wakes up! Yoiu will only know when you weigh him which I did weekly for 8 weeks! wOrked with all three of my babas Goodluck and enjoy

Michelle - posted on 06/02/2012

Sounds good to me. My baby did the same. Fed approx. 20 minutes on each side and about 2-4 hours later, we were back at it again. Your baby will let you know if he is hungry or not. If he isn't taking the bottle too. More than likely he isn't going to take the bottle because he likes the boob milk and also because he's had enough. Your boobs will leak for a while, especially when full. If they start leaking around 2 hours or so after you breastfeed, it is an indication that it is time to breast feed again.. If he is only 5 days old, your breast is adjusting to the regular feedings as well. Once you are on a regular schedule , your breast will let you know when it is time...boobs harden and leak. It takes time to put a baby on a bottle when used to the boobs. I breastfed mine and when they got around 6 months, I breastfed and gave a bottle on the next feeding for a little bit and then breastfed. I always breastfed before they would go to bed at night, it helped them and me of course. I didn't want to wake up in the middle of the night with hard boobs, cause it can cause pain a little. Eventually as I gradually gave the bottle, I put them completely on the bottle.
The diapers ...getting pooh and pee...good sign that your baby is digesting the milk and eating.

Oh..congradualations on your new baby!

Sarah - posted on 06/02/2012

It sounds like it's going perfectly. The main sign is that he's getting wet and dirty nappies. I would stop offering formula. Don't panic if he starts to need feeding more often. Breastmilk is more easily digested than formula, so he may get hungry quicker.

Dove - posted on 06/02/2012

If he's wetting 6-8 times/day he should be fine. Being only 5 days old it's possible that he hasn't started regaining his birth weight yet (though should be starting to any day now if he hasn't already), but he shouldn't be losing anymore weight.



I would say you don't need to offer him the formula anymore. If you are still worried, you can try putting him back on the other breast. If he's not taking it... he's not hungry.



You sound like you are doing just fine!! Congratulations and good luck!! ♥