Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk?
- Initial weight loss is expected.
- It is good for the baby to be back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age, gaining approximately 1 ounce per day after the fuller milk supply is in and for first two months.
Sucking Needs
- Provide sufficient time at breast to satisfy the baby's hunger; 10 to 30 minutes per breast is normal.
- An artificial nipple may lead to sucking confusion.
- It is recommended that babies are not given an artificial nipple until they are 3 to 4 weeks old.
- Do not use a pacifier in place of nursing or attention. Pacifier use may also cause sucking confusion for the baby.
- If weaned before one year, offer a bottle to meet sucking needs. Currently the Avent Bottle System is recommended to help with proper jaw development.
Digestion
- Stools have natural, loose consistency.
- Frequency of stools varies according to age.
- Continue to burp baby regularly after feedings.
Sleep
- Many babies are awake a lot at night, especially during the first few nights.
- A baby's sleeping needs vary from eight to 20 hours per 24-hour period.
- Time awake increases with age.
- After one month, your baby may sleep four to five hours at night.
- Mother's intake of caffeine or smoke from cigarettes may affect the infant's sleep.
Crying
- Crying is a form of communication. Your baby may need other attention and not always be hungry.
- The first night or two your baby is getting acquainted with his surroundings, new smells and sounds. He may not sleep well and may cry a lot. Overstimulation from too many visitors may be a problem for baby.
- Sometimes foods or beverages in a mother's diet may cause symptoms of colic. For "colic" or if you believe that your baby cries too much, call your Lactation Consultant or health-care provider.
- Use short frequent feedings, offering one breast per feeding to satisfy sucking needs.
Growth Spurts
- Growth spurts usually occur around seven to 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months.
- Your baby may breastfeed more frequently for approximately 24 to 48 hours to increase your milk supply to meet his or her needs.
- Offer no supplements at this time so that your milk supply will increase as a result of the more frequent feedings. See the Appendix, Increasing Milk Supply.
If additional help is needed, call 817-250-BABY (817-250-2229).
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