When you breast feed a baby, how do you know how much to give it? For example, when you bottle feed you know how many ounces the baby has had because of the indicator on the side of the bottle, but obviously when you BF you don't know. Will the baby stop feeding when it is satisfied or do you do it for a set amount of time? How will you know if baby has had too much or too little milk?
2006-12-05 01:43:33 · 9 answers · asked by kimbo1605 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You don't need to obsess over how much to feed the baby. You watch the baby and follow his cues. The baby will nurse until he is done, just like when you eat dinner, you stop when you are full. If he finishes one side and is still awake, then you can offer the other side. If he is still hungry, he'll nurse more. If not, he'll refuse.
You DO NOT need to switch breasts after a set length of time. This can actually be bad for some nursing couples, because depending on mom's milk supply, baby might not get enough of the rich, fatty, filling hindmilk that comes at the end of the feeding if you limit the amount of time baby gets on each breast.
2006-12-05 01:53:31 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers and 2-3 soiled ones a day. (depending on his age) Babies will eat until satisfied and will come off the breast when they are full. If they are not getting enough milk he will not looked satisfied when he is done eating. Also they should be gaining 1 oz a week. You can take your baby to your local health department to have him weighed, or to WIC. Don't time your feedings because the baby won't get the hindmilk he gets at the end of a feeding. Let him eat as long as he wants on the first breast and then offer the second. If he falls asleep on the first side wake him up and get him to eat more. If he falls asleep on the other side it is fine. You are doing a great job and keep it up!! Good luck
2006-12-05 10:56:36 · answer #2 · answered by mktk401 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lol. The baby will let you know when he's full or not yet full.
Generally in the begining its about 20 minutes per breast per feeding, so roughly 40 minutes of feeding. But thats not a standing rule. Some babies are faster, some are slower, some moms let down quicker, other dont.
You dont need to measure ounces when you're breast feeding, your body automatically gives the baby what it demands.
2006-12-05 09:50:13 · answer #3 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I talked a lot to lactation nurses at the hospital when I had questions about breastfeeding; they are very helpful. Typically you will produce just the amount the baby needs, just make sure your baby has enough time to empty both breasts when you feed her, and your body will replace it. The more the baby eats, the more you will produce. It becomes a perfect balance between you and the baby.
2006-12-05 09:59:34 · answer #4 · answered by Mgood 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
FIrst the baby stops eating when its full. Always switch from breast to breast at a certain amount of time. Ten min on each side or whatever you see fit. The baby won't eat to little and you will make enough milk to keep the baby hapoy. Good luck and congrats.
2006-12-05 09:46:42 · answer #5 · answered by littleluvkitty 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Let baby nurse as long as he wants. A breastfed baby will not overeat. Anytime the baby gets fussy check the diaper first and then try nursing the baby. If you are breastfeeding, go buy The Baby Book by Dr.Sears. There is a wealth of information. My husband calls mine my Bible because it sits on my nightstand and I read it everyday!
2006-12-05 09:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by ruby 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is BEST. I breastfed my son for a full 12 months. He would eat until he was full. My best advise is to breastfeed ON DEMAND. Give him as much as he wants whenever he wants it. I PROMISE you, that after a while you will be able to figure out how long it usually takes. You will know! Congratulations on your choice to breastfeed! Good Luck! You are giving your baby the BEST possible start that you can give him!
2006-12-05 09:49:14 · answer #7 · answered by One Race The Human Race 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told to feed on demand, either breast or bottle. You could try to stroke your baby's foot if you think she is falling asleep before she gets enough.
2006-12-05 10:04:58 · answer #8 · answered by Tantrix 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nurse until the baby lets you know he is satified. You can tell by the diapers. As long as he is wetting and dirtying diapers regularly then he is getting enough. Look for signs of dehydration. Sunken looking eyes, dry mouth, sunken soft spot.
2006-12-05 09:47:47 · answer #9 · answered by zinntwinnies 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋