Is there enough milk?

Is there enough milk?

Many mothers think that they haven't enough milk when there is really plenty. These are some of the things many mothers worry about, but they are all normal and usually not signs of a low supply of milk.

• The breasts feel softer and may not leak as much. This is normal after the early weeks.
• Most babies have fewer bowel actions and shorter feeds as they get older.
  Breastmilk looks more watery and blue-ish than cow’s milk. This is how it is supposed to look and does not mean that it is too ‘weak’.
• Babies show the rooting reflex if something touches their cheek (they turn their head towards that thing, open their mouth and start sucking on it). So they suck on their fists or fingers much of the time. This does not always mean that they are hungry.
• As babies grow, they demand more feeds than usual. This is a way of boosting the milk supply. If frequent feeds are a problem, see below.
• The baby is unsettled. There are many reasons for this that don’t have anything to do with breastfeeding.
• You have small breasts – breast size is not related to how much milk you can make.
  

Some mothers worry that their milk is not good enough for their baby. This is not likely, because even if you are not eating well, breast milk will be made using your body stores of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

It is very rare that a mother can't make enough milk for her baby (except after some types of breast surgery). However, some babies do not suck well enough for the breasts to make enough milk.

These are signs that your baby is getting enough milk

• 6 - 8 wet nappies in 24 hours and several poos a day in the first few weeks of life. After this some babies can go a few days without a poo.
• The baby is putting on some weight.
• The baby seems bright and alert, and there are some times when the baby is awake and happy

What to do if you really do not seem to have enough milk

• Don't worry - everyone has "low" days and it is possible to build up a low supply.
• Check the baby's position and that the baby is sucking well.
• Offer both breasts every feed time. Change sides several times if your baby will not suck for long.
• Feed more often - every two or three hours - and/or offer top-ups at the breast in between feeds.
• Express milk after feeds especially if the baby is not feeding well.
• Make sure you get plenty of rest and good food. It is good to drink plenty, but extra fluid doesn't make more milk. Remember to have a drink each time the baby does.
• Cut down on smoking as this can make your milk supply less.
• If you need to give the baby extra formula from a bottle, try to give it only once at end of the day. It is best not to give a bottle after every feed unless a doctor advises it. With young babies you can use a cup or syringe instead of a bottle.
• You can give extra milk at the breast through a supplementer (supply line) .
• Talk to your doctor - there are some treatments which may help increase the amount of milk you have.

Link: http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=302&id=2139#1