One of the biggest concerns for any new parent that is breastfeeding is “How do I know my baby is getting enough?” This is something all new parents are concerned about when they first get started with breastfeeding. You can’t see what is going in, so it can be very stressful if you don’t know what to look for.

Most people will think that by looking at the clock they can determine how much they're feeding on each side. That somehow this will tell them their baby's getting enough food.

It is the one thing most hospitals will encourage you to keep track of but…. the truth is when you look at the clock it doesn’t really tell you how much you're baby is eating! If your baby spent 20 minutes feeding on each side, do you really know if they got enough? No. All it tells you is that they spent 40 minutes sucking. You don’t know how much they got, or if it is adequate! Babies can be sleeping or improperly latched onto your nipple and not getting proper flow. The good news is there are several ways you can definitely tell your baby is getting enough and it has nothing to do with time.

You will need much more objective signs in order to determine your baby’s well being.

1. First, you are going to feel your breast at the beginning of the feeding to feel how full it is. If your breast is noticeably softer at the end of the feeding, you know the milk went into the baby.

2. Next, you will be listening for audible swallows. This is a sound that comes frome the baby’s throat. It can be very quiet or very loud depending on your baby. Pay close attention. If you can hear a lot of swallowing going on throughout the feeding, you know your baby is getting a lot of breast milk. Just sucking is not eating. Babies will suck to eat, and suck to suck!

3. Look to make sure your baby is satisfied when done at the breast. A baby that comes off looking satisfied and not hungry is a good sign that your baby got enough. Most babies will not be quiet if they're still hungry.

4. The last, but most important indicator is wet diapers. You’ll be looking for at least 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. If it is coming out, it is going in! It is impossible for a baby to pee a lot while not getting enough fluid. This is a sure sign your baby is well hydrated and getting enough breast milk.

To learn more about this and other important breastfeeding topics go to www.sharicriso.com/mybabyexperts and watch my breastfeeding class online for FREE!

• ‹ Cook Once, Enjoy Many
• How Long Should the Feedings Last? ›