I find that the question about whether or not a baby is getting enough milk is the most common concern that women have, and the one most often leading them to supplement with formula. Because you cannot measure in ounces the amount of milk an infant is taking in we have to measure differently than with bottle feeding.
The way in which we know if an infant is getting enough is to keep track of wet and dirty diapers, to measure weight gain of the infant and to follow your baby’s feeding cues. Does he/she seem satisfied after a feeding, and are feedings spacing out to expected times based on your pediatrician’s recommendations?
Generally your baby should have 1-2 wet diapers or more in the first 24 hours and then over the first week at least one wet diaper more than their age in days. For example if you baby is 4 days old she should have at least 5 wet diapers in a 24 hour day.
By the end of the first week of life and thereafter, your baby should have at least 6-8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period, stool daily but possibly after every feeding, and be gaining weight. You will have regular and frequent pediatrician visits during the first few weeks to monitor your baby’s weight gain.
For additional information about breastfeeding, I highly recommend that you visit the following website breastfeeding .
