It’s not all about the numbers!
We like to be able to measure things and with babies that includes input and output, weight loss and weight gain, the number of minutes at the breast, time between feeds.
Some of these numbers can be helpful but taking any one or two of these out of context with other considerations can be stress inducing for parents. Here are some thoughts on helping you understand the numbers.
The number of feedings
Is it better to feed 14 times a day than 8? Not always.
Have you been told to make sure our babies get 8-12 or more feedings every 24 hours? More is not always better, and can sometimes be worse leaving both mom and baby exhausted.
Here are some things to look for as you work towards a balance of quality and quantity of feedings:
Your baby should be facing you, snuggled in close, with a wide open mouth to help them feed efficiently. If you or baby are struggling, or it is painful, get help early.
Is your baby comfort or non-nutritive sucking, or are they actively sucking and swallowing most of the time? Some non-nutritive sucking is normal, but babies often need to be helped to actively feed enough, especially in the early weeks.
Do your breasts feel softer (less full) after the baby has been feeding? This is a good sign that your baby is actively transferring milk and building up your milk supply.
Is your baby falling asleep at the breast from exhaustion (only to wake up hungry again in 20-30 minutes) or a nice full tummy? Some cluster feeding, particularly in the evenings or during a growth spurt is normal, however constant short feeds followed by short naps can be a sign that baby is having some trouble at the breast.
Weight loss
I remember getting a shock when my baby lost weight in the first few days - he was so little to start with - but then I found out that was normal. A weight loss of up to 7-10% is considered normal in the first few days with a return to birth weight by 2 weeks. There are however a few things that can influence this and help you understand when to get checked and when your baby is making good progress.
When was the birthweight done? Was it straight after a birth with extra IV fluids from Mom onboard? Was it before or after the first wet diaper?
Were the weights done with the same clothes on (or not on) and on an accurate scale?
You will also need to consider how your baby is feeding - do they have jaundice or are struggling to stay awake for feeds?
Is your baby waking regularly to feed and sucking well at the breast with adequate wet and dirty diapers? Are you seeing signs of good feedings and having at least 8-12 feedings in 24 hours? These are good signs and weight gain will usually start to follow.
Being proactive with your baby in the first week to make the most of each feeding will help your baby regain that initial weight loss and thrive. There is a time to wake a sleeping baby or possibly use some extra expressed breastmilk to top baby up while they get stronger at feeding.
Input and output - Diaper counting
Those wet and poopy diapers or nappies can be messy but they are a great sign that your baby is getting enough milk to grow and some left over.
Do you notice after an extra big celebration meal over the holidays that you pooped and peed more than usual? It’s a bit like that with babies. Their output will vary in quantity and quality.
In the first week you will want to see increasing amounts each day that equals at least the number of days they are old and then hope to see about 5 wet and 3 poopy diapers for the first month or so. After this the pooping often reduces in frequency.
Output can vary in amount, consistency and color. Sometimes this is in relation to their feeding patterns, what mama has been eating, amount and type of supplements such as expressed milk, formula and starting new solid foods. There is a variety of normal.
If you notice a sudden change or are concerned, check with your health care provider or Lactation Consultant.