Labor and Birth Packet Preview | Page 25

Life with Baby 69

Breastfeeding Basics

Supply and Demand
When your milk increases , 2-5 days after birth , you may initially make more milk than your baby is able to drink . This can make your breasts feel very full ( see the following page ). Your body will adjust and make milk ( supply ) to replenish what baby consumes at a feeding ( demand ). It will continually respond to your baby ’ s needs and provide just the right amount of milk . Avoid using bottles or pacifiers for the first four weeks or until breastfeeding is well established , then pump each time baby will be bottle fed to keep up your milk supply .
This baby is getting plenty of milk , shown by frequent diapers , steady weight gain and contentment .

Preview

Is Baby Getting Enough ?
There are a number of ways to know that your baby is getting plenty of milk . The following visuals can help you understand the normal signs of a well-fed newborn .
Week 1 Weeks 2-6 A newborn ’ s stool
Newborns may lose Babies usually gain 5-7
7-10 % of their body
( poop ) changes ounces ( 142-198 grams )
Weight weight in the first 48 through the first weekly . Weight checks or
Gain hours of life . Most exams can reassure you week , starting regain their birth that baby is doing well . with meconium , a
Urine Output
Stool Output
Frequency weight by 10-14 days .
At least one wet diaper for each day of life ( 1 on day 1 , 2 on 2 ), and 6 + by day 4 .*
One stool for each day of life . Meconium ( first stools ) will pass with frequent feedings . Stool will change in color and consistency when your milk increases ( see right ).
Feed on demand , 8-12 times a day or more . Newborns may feed frequently ( clusterfeed ) then sleep for a longer stretch .
At least 6 wet diapers in a 24 hour period .*
3-4 or more stools a day . After 6 weeks , it is normal for a breastfed baby to go several days or more without a bowel movement as her body becomes more efficient at using milk .
May be able to go longer between feedings but be sure baby is transferring milk well . May feed more frequently during growth spurts .
* Note that disposable diapers can feel dry after baby urinates . Line the diaper with a tissue and / or look for weight , fullness , smell or discoloration of the diaper .
black , sticky , tar-like substance .
By day three , you should see transitional stool , which is green and less sticky .
By day five , baby ’ s stool should be yellow , and may be “ mustard-like ,” watery and seedy . These are normal , healthy changes that show baby is getting plenty of milk .
Life with Baby 69