Q&A Breastfeeding
How will I know that my newborn is getting enough milk? Is my milk good enough for him? He is two weeks old.
LINDA BRITZ ANSWERS:
Congratulations on your new baby. Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time and patience, and lots of practice to master it well. Knowing what to expect and having guidance and support will help you build your confidence in this new experience. This allows you to get to know your new baby and understand his needs. All newborn babies have very basic needs: to feed, burp, change and cuddle. Within the first few days after birth, babies can lose between 5 to 7 percent, and up to 10 percent of their birth weight. This is due to extra fluid loss, and passing stools, and is regarded as normal. Your baby’s tummy is stimulated to absorb and digest the first newborn milk that you produce, which is high in calories and protein in the form of antibodies to protect him from specific infections and provide him with passive immunity to compensate for his immature immune system. It is also a natural laxative and stimulates his gut to pass the first stool, called meconium, within a day after birth. He will continue to pass frequent soft yellow stools, averaging around three to five stools a day in the first few weeks. They change in consistency and colour as you produce mature milk to provide him with this perfect food to grow in the months to come. Stool patterns can vary, but he should be passing stools regularly. This is a good sign that he is feeding well. He will also wet nappies daily. Sometimes, as you remove his nappy to change him, he may be stimulated to pass urine – usually all over you and the changing mat! Your baby is now two weeks old and should be back to his birth weight. Check in with a nurse at a clinic close to your home to weigh your baby weekly, as this would be the main pointer of confirming you are both doing well. After returning to his birth weight, he should gain an average of 200 grams a week, but at least 150 grams.
Your breasts should have settled after filling with milk after birth and will now be fuller before you feed him and soften once he drinks and drains them. Your breasts are never empty. Your supply will settle to what he demands. Your new baby will sleep a lot for the first few weeks after birth. Keep him awake at feed times. Talk and sing to him and call him by name to keep him motivated to suckle. Watch for swallowing, and don’t allow him to fall asleep while breastfeeding.
He will settle, be content and rest well between feeds for a couple of hours. As long as he is actively feeding, he should establish a good feeding pattern of between three to four hours.
Your breastmilk is perfectly designed by you for your newborn baby. It is packed with all the beneficial substances and nutrients your baby requires for growth and development, especially that of his brain. It nourishes both body and soul and builds the deep strong bond between you and your baby.
It is also suited for your baby’s specific nutritional needs and age, and it accordingly changes in composition all the time, as he grows and develops.
This is a very special time. Breastfeeding provides the love, warmth and security, which is all that your new baby boy needs to reach his full, optimal potential.