- The baby's weight gain is the best
proof that your baby is getting enough milk. Generally, regain their
birth weight within 10 to 14 days after birth. An average weight during
the first several months is about 4 to 8 ounces per week.
- Baby's feeding begins with a few
quick sucks before changing to a slower, deeper, more rhythmic pattern
of suck-swallow-breathe. You can see the baby pause briefly mid-suckle,
at the point when the mouth is open the widest. This pause occurs when
the baby gets a mouthful of milk. You often hear baby swallowing. Baby
suckles well, drinking frequently and then comes off the breast satisfied.
The mother notices that her breasts feel softer after breastfeeding.
- Baby's bowel movements begin as
meconium, a dark green, almost black substance. Meconium is passed during
the first few days, and by day 3, the bowel movements become lighter,
as more breastmilk is taken.
- During the first 2 to 3 days of
life, some babies pass pink or red urine. This is not a reason to panic,
although it means that you need to focus on getting the baby well latched
on and frequently drinking well at the breast. Contact your health care
provider if the problem persists after day 3.
- Beginning on day 3 to 4, baby usually
has 6 to 8 soaking wet cloth diapers, or 5 to 6 soaking disposable diapers
in a 24 hour period. The new super dry disposable diapers may feel dry
when full of urine, but are heavy when soaked with urine. If you are
giving baby extra water or sugar water (not recommended), the number
of wet diapers may not be a good indicator that baby is getting enough
calories and milk. Baby's urine should be clear as water after the 3rd
day.
- By day 3 to 4, baby should be passing
at least 3 to 5 substantial yellow stools each day. Babies often have
a stained diaper with each feeding.
- By day 4, the bowel movements have
taken on the appearance of the normal breastmilk stool. The stool may
appear pasty or watery and may be mustard-colored. It may be green or
orange, may contain curds or mucus, or may resemble shaving lotion having
air bubbles in it. Variation in color is normal. A baby who is breastfeeding
effectively and is starting to have bowel movements that are lighter
in color by day 3 is doing well. After day 3 or 4, the number of bowel
movements increases.
- A health care provider should evaluate
a baby who is passing no bowel movements or who is still passing meconium
bowel movements (dark green/black/tarry/sticky) or dark urine on day
3 or 4.
- Because the number of bowel movements
per day are a good indicator that the baby is getting enough milk to
grow well, the health care provider should be consulted if the baby
is not having at least 3 to 5 substantial bowel movements over day for
the first few months of life.
- Between 2 to 3 months of life, the
stooling pattern may change. Some breastfed babies will begin to pass
a stool every few days or as infrequently as once pre week. This is
normal, providing that the baby is gaining adequate weight and that
the stools remain soft and large.
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