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There is so much information for moms to learn during pregnancy and after child birth. Many moms always ask us how to determine whether or not their baby is getting enough of their breast milk. We have good news. Newborns have tiny tummies and only need small amounts of breastmilk during the first days of life.

Here are a few facts new moms can utilize to make sure their newborn is getting enough breast milk:

Weight gain: Normal newborns may lose up to 7% of birth weight in the first few days after birth. After mom’s milk changes from colostrum or comes in (this usually takes place around day 3-5), the average breastfed baby gains about 6 oz. per week. Take your baby for a weight check at the end of the first week or beginning of the second week. Your baby should be back to her birth weight by 10-14 days. Consult with baby’s doctor and your lactation consultant at Fresno EOC WIC if baby is not gaining weight as expected.

Dirty diapers: In the early days, a baby typically has one dirty diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two, etc). After day 4, stools should be yellow and baby should have at least 3-4 stools in 24 hours that are the size of a US quarter or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often–this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy.

Wet diapers: In the early days, baby typically has one wet diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two, etc). Once mom’s breast milk comes in, expect 5+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper resembles, pour 3 tablespoons of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet.

For more information, please call Fresno EOC WIC at 559-263-1150.

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