It is hard to know if baby is getting enough milk when you are
breastfeeding - its not like you have a bottle gauge to view the
quantity!
It is normal for newborns to loose weight in the first few days
following birth, but most babies gain weight to go back up to their
original birth weight after the first 2 weeks. After that, babies
usually gain around 100 grams to 200 grams a week, for the first
few months.
In the first weeks after birth, most babies will need to have
around eight + breast feeds in a 24 hour period.
Breastfeeding times may not be evenly spaced throughout the day.
It is very common for babies to have cluster feeds in the
evening.
Initially, newborn babies will have around six wet nappies per
day, at around 1-2 bowel motions a day, until they get to around 6
weeks of age. This shows that baby is getting plenty of breast
milk. After then the number of nappy changes will decrease a
little.
If baby gets a good feed of breast milk, then baby will sleep
well and feed well, and eventually the number of times that you
have to feed baby during the day/night will drop back and you will
get into a routine.
A baby who is wetting nappies frequently, gaining weight, and
thriving is getting enough milk.
By 8 or 9 weeks of age, a baby will start going longer between
feeding times.
By 12 weeks of age, baby will probably be in a pattern of around
six breastfeeds during a 24 hour period. Though this number will be
different depending on the size of your baby etc.
But if you are not sure - you should seek advice from your
midwife, plunket nurse, doctor or medical professional.
Based on a information specified on a baby formula tin, this is
the volume of milk and number of feeds per day that they recommend
just to give you an indication. Though bare in mind that
breast milk will satisfy your baby better, with less volume than
formula.
Baby age:
- 1 week: 50mL feed for 6-7 times per day.
- up to 2 weeks old: 100mL feed for 5-6 times per day.
- up to 1 month old: 100mL feed for 6 times per day.
- up to 2 months old: 150mL feed for 5 times per day.
- up to 4 months old: 200mL feed for 5 times per day.
- up to 6 months old: 200mL feed for 4-5 times per day
- over 6 months: 200mL feed for 3-4 times per day.
This is a guide, your baby may need more or
less than this. Follow your baby's hunger cues.