As a doula and Certified Lactation Counselor I find that the number one question on parents’ minds is whether their baby is getting enough to eat. Below are some clear signs of feeding success.
For both bottle-fed and breastfed babies:
1..Frequent feeds: Newborns should feed at least 8-10 times per 24 hours. Remember that this is only a minimum, and it is normal for your baby to want to eat more frequently than this.
2. Wet diapers: Another positive sign is when your baby has an adequate number of wet and dirty diapers each day. This indicates that your baby is consuming enough milk and their digestive system is functioning well. After the first week of life, most newborns will have at least 8-10 wet diapers a day.
3. Weight gain: A clear sign of feeding success is when your baby is gaining weight steadily. After their initial weight loss, your baby should regain their birth weight by 2 weeks of age. Your baby’s doctor will weigh them at every visit, and let you know if your baby is staying on their growth curve.
For breastfed babies only:
4. Audible swallows: Hearing audible swallows during breastfeeding is a sign of success. The rhythmic and audible sounds indicate that your baby is effectively latching onto the breast, extracting milk, and swallowing it, which confirms that they are receiving nourishment and establishing good milk transfer.
5. Pain-free feeds: When breastfeeding is pain-free for the parent that usually means that the baby has a proper latch. A proper latch is necessary for your baby to access your stores of milk and transfer milk effectively.
Learning how to feed your baby during the first few weeks of life can feel stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. Postpartum doulas are trained to support you with the fundamentals of bottle-feeding, breastfeeding, and pumping. Your postpartum doula will help you assess how well your baby is eating, and will refer you to a local lactation specialist, if needed. Reach out to Madam Doula today to get connected with a postpartum doula!
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