Operation Lactation

A common concern for breastfeeding families is whether baby is getting enough to eat. As discussed in my previous post (Demand it.) there is only a small volume of milk available in the beginning and this can be a cause for worry. So I am here to hopefully put some of that worry to rest.

It can be an adjustment/challenge to accept that we do not know how much breastmilk baby is getting at each feeding, especially if you are accustomed to feeding with a bottle. In lieu of lines on a bottle, your pediatrician will monitor baby's weight and you will keep track of baby's output. It is worth noting what to expect about baby's weight: it is normal for baby to LOSE weight in the first few days of life (baby should be back to birth weight by day 10 of life). Your healthcare professionals will let you know if baby is losing too much weight.
Here is what you can look for in the diaper department 💩:

• Day 1: one poop and one pee
• Day 2: two poops and two pees
• Day 3: three poops and three pees
• Day 4: four poops and four pees (seeing a pattern here?)
• Day 5: three to five yellow seedy poops and six pees

These amounts are a benchmark, of course every baby will have some variation in diapers, however, day 5 of life is an important indicator of sufficient breastfeedings. So if baby does not have yellow stools and several wet diapers by day 5 make sure to let your pediatrician know.

 Peace, joy and blessings!