How to know whether your breast milk is sufficient for the baby?
Written by Dr. Vijaykumar Mundeshi and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
Breast milk is the nutrition which nature has provided and is packed with all that is required for your baby till 6 months of age.
Importance of Breastfeeding:
- A new born healthy baby has to be started on exclusive breastfeeding as early as possible after birth and continued till 6 months of age.
- Till 6 months breast milk alone will take care of all the nutritional needs, not even water is required.
- Breast milk not only gives water and energy to your baby but also helps in growth.
- It contains various factors that are essential for brain growth.
- It helps to build immunity and prevent infections.
- Studies have shown numerous benefits of breastfeeding like prevention of asthma, diabetes, obesity later in life.
- Breast milk is hygienic.
Advise to Breastfeeding Mothers:
Related Topics
Exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months completion that is not even water, oral medicines can be given when prescribed or supplements in low birth weight babies.
After 6 months completion start other feeding along with breast milk, because by now growth is increasing and breast milk will not be sufficient.
Breastfeeding mothers have to consume more calories (one extra meal) and enough fluids, so that the breastmilk secretion is sufficient for her baby.
How to Know whether Breast Milk is Sufficient for your Baby?
- Your baby should feed for at least 15 to 20 minutes from one side.
- Your baby should sleep for 45 minutes to 2 hours after breastfeeding.
- Your baby should pass urine 8 to 10 times in 24 hours.
- Your baby should have an adequate weight gain i.e, 30 grams per day in the first 3 months.
If all the above mentioned are present, then your baby is getting adequate breastfeeds and you need not worry till 6 months completion.
To know more about breastfeeding, consult a lactation counselor online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/lactation-counselor
Last reviewed at: 07.Sep.2018RATING
Related Questions & Answers
Query: Hi doctor, I am 31 years old and a mother of 7 months old baby. Recently, I have got infected with herpes zoster virus on my back. It is a small patch above my waist. Doctor told me to stop breastfeeding for a week. But, my baby is exclusively breastfed till now and not taking bottle feed after seve... Read Full »
Child Health Specialist
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. If you have chickenpox or herpes zoster virus infection and you are breastfeeding, then your baby does not get infected with the chickenpox virus through your breast milk. However, if you still have blisters on your skin, then it is poss... Read Full »
Article Overview: There are so many misconceptions about breastfeeding, so here are some tips for the new mothers. Read Article »
Lactation Counselor
Breastfeeding is the most beautiful thing for the mother and the baby in humans, just as for all mammals. There are so many misconceptions about breastfeeding and always a new mother will be in a confused state regarding breastfeeding. Here are some tips for the new mothers. When Should One St ... Read Article »
Query: Hi doctor, My baby has completed four months. Please suggest the best formula milk for weight gain and overall development. Read Full »
Paediatrician
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am assuming you are asking for formula milk for a four-month-old baby. May I suggest: The best thing will be to continue breastfeeding until six months of age. For a full term baby, I suggest Nestle NAN1 range - Nan Optipro HA 1 Gold. For a preterm baby Nestle P... Read Full »