How Much Milk Should I Be Producing?
New mothers spend most of their time breastfeeding or pumping milk for the first few months after giving birth. It may seem like all you are doing now is just that. Don’t worry mama, things get better. But despite everything, moms do wonder if their baby is getting enough breast milk. Mothers want the best for their babies. And there’s nothing more precious than breastfeeding your little one, both physically and emotionally. If you are not sure your baby is getting enough milk, or if you are breastfeeding enough, then you have come to the right place.
How Much Breast Milk Does A Baby Need?
Your newborn baby needs to be fed every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day during the first few weeks after birth (1). If you are breastfeeding, there’s no way to measure how many ounces your baby drinks every time you breastfeed. And breastfeeding is more of a supply-on-demand thing. So, the more you breastfeed or pump your milk, the more milk will be produced by your body. So how do you know if your baby had enough breast milk? Watch out for signs of hunger such as restlessness, stirring, lip movements, and sucking motions.
Nurse your baby from one breast until it feels soft, around 15 to 20 minutes. You do not have to adhere to this time as there is no set standard time. Every baby is different, and hence this time can vary. Your baby may crave more of your breast milk on some days and a little less on other days.
It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your infant for the first 6 months after birth, and then continue for at least a year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2). Some moms also prefer extended breastfeeding until the kid weans off naturally.
Benefits Of Breast Milk
Breastfeeding can lower the risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer in women (3). There are numerous benefits of breast milk which protects your baby against various infections and diseases. What’s more? Breast milk can be easily digested by babies compared to formula or cow’s milk. This is because the protein, iron, and calcium in breast milk are easily absorbed. Here are some other benefits of breast milk for both mommy and baby (4):
For babies:
- Fewer ear infections
- Less chance of getting constipation, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux
- Lower chances of getting Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Lower chances of getting cold and respiratory illnesses
- Fewer instances of asthma, eczema, and allergies
- Develop good immunity
For moms:
- Lower cases of postpartum bleeding
- Less chance of urinary tract infections
- Stimulates the contraction of uterus to return to its normal size
- Promotes quick postpartum weight loss
- Lower chance of anemia
- Reduced risk of postpartum depression as it releases happy hormones oxytocin and prolactin
- A great bonding experience for the mother and the baby
How To Check If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
- Your baby comes off the breast by themselves after nursing (5)
- Their mouth is moist after a feeding session
- They look content and satisfied after nursing
- Your baby looks calm and relaxed while feeding
- Your breasts may feel softer after nursing
- Your baby is gaining weight steadily after the initial 2 weeks of life
- Your baby looks healthy and alert when they are up from their nap
- Your baby is pooping soft yellow poops twice a day after the 4th day of life for the first few weeks
- More frequent wet diapers after the 5th day of life
How To Boost Your Milk Supply
Worried about low milk supply? Though there are some factors like maternal obesity, premature birth, and gestational hypertension that affects your milk supply, here are a few things that you can do:
- Breastfeed soon after you give birth post skin-to-skin contact
- Breastfeed 8 to 12 times every 2 to 3 hours during the initial weeks after birth
- Make sure that your baby has latched on properly
- Nurse by alternating between each breast
- Pump your breast milk if you miss a nursing session
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes during this time
- Hold off on giving a pacifier to your baby until 4 weeks
We hope we have taken care of all your doubts and queries. If you have any more concerns or feel that your baby is not feeding properly, feel free to seek help from your doctor or lactation consultant. Wishing you a happy feeding session with your munchkin!
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