I am breastfeeding how do I know he is getting enough it is like he he feeds constantly?

Answer 1

Newborns DO feed constantly, it doesn't mean they aren't getting enough. Also, new moms have a hard time telling the difference between drinking and sucking. Some babies just like to suck; and no having your baby "Use you like a pacifier" isn't a bad thing. Using a pacifier is "Using some object to replace mom". I'm not going to say either one is wrong.

The only way to tell if your baby is getting enough: 1) enough wet diapers 2) consistant weight gain.
"WET DIAPERS: 5 - 6+ sopping wet diapers per day (after 1st week).
Expect one wet diaper on day one, increasing to 5-6 by one week. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper (if baby wets more often, then the amount of urine per diaper may be less). Urine should be pale and mild smelling."
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/enough-milk.html




It wouldn't hurt to see a Lactation Consultant or your Local La Leche League www.llli.org if you are concerned. The best latch possible will make feedings shorter, if not less frequent.

However, I have to tell you the fear that they aren't getting enough may never go away. My baby was 20 lbs at 4 months and I would still wonder if he is getting enough. Now he is 9 months, almost 30lbs and generally won't eat solids as he prefers milk and every time he has a fussy day I still wonder.

Luckily however I grew up seeing people breastfeed. It pains me everytime people stop breastfeeding because a breastfed baby is acting perfectly normally. Breastfed babies do NOT act like formula fed babies, they just don't. And there is nothing wrong with breastfed babies.

Don't believe the people who tell you "Some babies just aren't satisfied with breastmilk" or "Some babies just can't get enough milk" or "Some women can't make enough milk". 99% of women (who haven't had breast surgery) can make enough milk, often for twins. And ALL babies get enough from breastmilk, how dumb is it that we think they can't. What do you think happened before formula, babies died of starvation?

Even moms in third world countries who are skin and bone and don't get enough to eat, let alone a well balanced meal make enough milk for their babies and you will too. The only difference between them and us is they know how to breastfeed and have the support of other women to help them with it. They don't have the problems associated with bad latch (like low supply and nipple pain).

Human babies are designed to eat small frequent meals. These meals are meant to digest quickly. This is because human (and primate) babies are meant to have constant contact with mom. They can not defend themselves, they can not outrun predators (like a baby horse for example). They need the protection of mom. They also need the constant contact and interaction with mom for their brain development.

People worry that breastfed babies do not seem as "satisfied" as breastfed babies. Think of how you act after a reasonable nutritious meal full of veggies compared to how you act after you overeat at Thanksgiving. Do you act more satisfied after Thanksgiving? Do you seem sleepier, more content? Sure. Does that mean you should eat that much food, particularly starchy, fatty food EVERY MEAL of EVERY DAY? NO! Formula feeding is like that, it sits in the stomach, it makes babies feel very full. It is what it is. However, let us not forget for a second that by DEFINITION the breastfed babies are the "normal" ones.

If you think formula feeding is good because you know exactly how much the baby is getting look at all the questions on here from formula moms asking "How much?", "How often", "How do I get my baby to drink more (or less)", "Is this normal". We are moms and we worry no matter what.

Try to trust in yourself, breastfeeding is the best possible thing for both you and the baby. You have enough milk and your baby will thrive!

Congratulations.

Answer 2

In the beginning they can pretty much become part of your breast but if you are feeding often because he is falling asleep too soon you might try waking him by tapping the bottoms of his feet and talking to him. That will extend the feeding time and possibly the length of time in between feedings. It's very comforting and relaxing for a baby when they are feeding so they can fall asleep within minutes sometimes. In any case, it won't last for more than the 1 year you are breastfeeding and usually only happens in the first 4 months or so.

Answer 3

Firstly how much and what are you taking in? Drink plenty of water and try to relax LOL!!! Relaxing will help with the milk flow. Wind him every 10 minutes, a wind can make the child feel full or crampy, to stop this place the child gently over your fore arm and you can pat his back gently with the other hand.
alternate breasts ie if you started feeding on the left side in the last feed the next time you feed start on the right side.
Get your child weighed and his increase in weight will tell you the story, It is also most ideal if you breast feed exclusively for 6 months yes no water either. Enjoy!!!

Answer 4

I have exactly the same problem struggling with baby feeding constantly. The bottle doesn't help - I pump to feed him be case he seems like having difficulties getting milk out of breast. This situation is hard for mom, but supposedly is good for the baby. I was told that as long as baby gains weigh properly, there is no need to worry about whether he's getting enough

Answer 5

In the first 6 weeks or so it does feel like they do nothing but nurse. Once they get past those early growth spurts, they do eventually begin to space feedings out a bit.

You can tell if he is getting enough by watching if he is gaining weight and having wet/dirty diapers. (Although it is normal to start skipping days with the BM's after about 6 weeks of age since they use up the nutrients in the breastmilk so efficiently.)

The links below will help you figure out if your baby is getting enough.

Answer 6

He should have 6-8 wet diapers a day. If he does, then he should be eating just fine. At least that is what the pediatrician told my sister when she was concerned about the same thing. My nephew ate every 30-45 minutes for 20 minutes at a time. After 2 months my sister switched to bottle feeding because she couldn't handle it anymore!!!

Answer 7

My boy feed alot also. Feeding on demamd is the best way to go, so long as he is growing and gaining weight then he is getting enough. Always fully drain one breast before changing sides, then at the next feed start on the breast you finished with. If you are really concerned, then speak to your doctor or health nurse, though I am sure they well tell you everything is fine and there is no need to worry. Take care of yourself, if you are eating a well balanced nutritious diet, then that is what your baby will get.

Answer 8

My son fed every 30 minutes for the four months of his life! Everyone told me that they couldn't believe that he ate so frequently, but my doctor said to feed him as much breast milk as he wants, so I did. And eventually, he stopped feeding so much. But he was literally attached to my boob constantly for the first couple months. He never ate longer than 10 minutes though, so I thought what he lacked by feeding for such a short time, he made up for in how many times he needed to feed. His little belly was small :).

Answer 9

I am a mother of 2 who breast fed both... I felt the same way you do, but I promise if you are letting him eat when he's hungry he is getting enough. You are doing the on demand feeding instead of making him have a schedule which leads to happier mommies and babies all around. I did this with both of mine, and had a much better bond with both of them. If it is worrying you, talk to his pediatrician, just for the reassurance. Good Luck, and Congrats.

Answer 10

i think u might need to bottle feed mine did this he was always hungry so i bottled him and then he was full at least for 2 hours. before it was every 45 minutes