How do I know if my newborn has had enough milk?
How can I tell?
The best way to tell if your newborn has had enough milk is by looking at the amount, colour and consistency of their pees and bowel movements. A general rule of thumb is one pee and bowel movement on day one, two pees and bowel movements on day two, three pees and bowel movements on day three, and at least three of each on ensuing days. Your baby’s bowel movement colour should change from a thick tarry substance (meconium) to mustard yellow/seedy consistency by about the end of week one.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, it will not always be clear how much milk your baby is getting. Indicators that your baby is getting enough milk include:
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Your baby seems relaxed during and after feeds
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You notice gulping and swallowing
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Your baby comes off the breast on their own
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Their fists are relaxed after a feed
Your doctor will weigh your baby at every check up. It is normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their body weight after birth however in cases where the weight loss is more or if the baby is not gaining weight appropriately then supplementation through donor milk or formula will be recommended. Breastfed/chestfed babies typically gain 4-7 ounces per week in the first month and 1-2 pounds per month in the first 6 months.
Bottle feeding
Attention should be given to follow recommended guidelines when feeding expressed milk or formula to avoid over feeding.
Koble sessions:
How much milk does your baby need? By Caitlin Black-Allen
Other resources:
https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/is-baby-getting-enough/
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/breastfeeding
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/feeding_your_baby_in_the_first_year