Each baby will feed at a different pace, some will want to drain both breasts at each feed, and others will want less. It’s just about you being flexible and getting to understand their patterns.
It is common for newborn babies to feed frequently. Some parents are happily feeding their baby on demand and others like to establish more of a routine. As babies grow, they feed more quickly and less frequently. Watch out for growth spurts (often around two, four, six, and 12 weeks) when they’ll probably feed more often.
As you breastfeed more, hormonal changes and the more your baby feeds will encourage milk production. You know your baby is well fed if they seem satisfied after their feeds and produce lots of wet nappies (at least 6-8 wet washable nappies or 5-6 disposable nappies in a 24 hour period). They should also gain weight steadily after the first two weeks, have times when they’re awake and alert, and your breasts and nipples shouldn’t be too sore after the first week.
Below are some of the reassuring signs that your breastfed baby is getting enough breast milk:
- They are having at least six to eight very heavy wet nappies each day. Their urine (wee) is pale and not concentrated and/or smelly
- Their poos are soft, yellow/mustard color. Breastfed babies may not poo each day, especially once they are past two months of age. Breastfed babies who are getting enough breast milk do not become constipated
- Your baby is bright, alert and responsive with moist lips and good skin tone
- They are reaching their developmental milestones
- They are having a steady weight gain when averaged out over a four week period. Breastfed babies tend to gain a lot of weight in the first few months and then their weight plateaus. They gain weight in a different pattern to bottle-fed babies
- Their muscles can be felt underneath their skin
- They are reasonably content for some time in-between their feeds
Remember if you need advice or support you can chat to your midwife, lactation consultant, or well-child nurse.