Worried That You Might Not Have Enough Milk?
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The number of wet diapers and stools your newborn has can help you determine if they are getting enough milk.
Day 1: 1 wet diaper and 1 stool minimum
Day 2: 2 wet diapers and 2 stools minimum
Day 3: 3 wet diapers and 3 stools minimum
Day 4-7: 5-6 wet diapers and 3-4 stools per day that are yellow, at least the size of a quarter, and resemble cottage cheese.
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It’s normal for newborns to lose 7% of their birthweight in the first days after they are born. They should start to gain 6 oz a week once your milk comes in, and should regain their birthweight by 2 weeks of age.
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The following are red flags. If your baby has any of these, speak to your pediatrician and schedule an appointment with me:
If the wet diaper and stool minimums are not being met, if your baby’s urine is dark after day 3, if their stool is dark after day 4, if you can’t hear your baby swallowing while nursing in a quiet room, or if they have lost too much weight and aren’t gaining as they should.
First, let me make one thing clear: Your worth has nothing to do with your milk supply. Your baby is getting an abundance of the most important thing, love.
If you are not sure about your milk supply, I can examine you and your baby and weigh the baby on a special, very sensitive scale before and after they nurse. This will tell me how much milk your baby transferred while nursing. I can then help you increase your milk supply and/or assist a baby who isn’t nursing well. You might also consider scheduling a lactation massage with me. Lactation massage can help increase your milk supply.