Assessing your milk supply

Mothers frequently give up breastfeeding in the early days because they think they are not providing enough milk for their babies. If there is a medical need to supplement, you can use your own pumped milk first. You can feed the baby with the use of a finger feeder, cup, spoon, syringe, eye dropper, or a supplemental feeding system. Bottles and artificial nipples should be avoided until breastfeeding is well established.

The following are indications that the baby is receiving enough milk and does NOT need to be supplemented.

*Weight gain of at least 4 to 6 ounces per week

*Birth weight regained by 10 days to 2 weeks

*Frequent wet diapers after the first 3 days--at least 5 or more in 24 hours

*Meconium has cleared from baby's stool by day 3 to 4 and bowel movements are bright yellow, loose, unformed, and frequent (at least 3 in 24 hours)

*Baby's skin is soft and moist and baby shows no signs of dehydration

*Baby is awake, alert, and eager to breastfeed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours

*Baby seems satisfied after actively sucking for 10 to 20 minutes on one breast and is usually willing to continue feeding on the other side

*Baby can be observed swallowing regularly during feedings; normal sucking pattern at the breast is suck, suck, swallow. Listen for the slight "ka,ka,ka" sound as baby swallows and watch for a pause in jaw movements

*Mother may or may not observe signs of the milk let-down which can include a tingling feeling or leaking from the other breast

*Mother's breast may seem softer after milk transfer has occurred