Every new mama worries about how to calculate milk for a newborn to intake for them to receive all the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. At one point, it can be easy to wonder – is my baby getting enough milk? This question is especially true for mamas who breastfeed, as there’s no solid way to find out how much milk their little one is actually getting.
Despite this, even mamas who don’t breastfeed their babies get worried about whether or not they are getting enough milk. They wonder which baby milk is best in terms of giving their little one all the best nutrients, and how much they should be drinking in a day.
Here, we’re going to talk about how to tell your baby is getting enough milk – whether it be through formula feeding or breastfeeding. Read on to learn more.
For Formula-Fed Babies
It’s easier to determine whether a formula-fed baby is getting enough milk, as they are measured before each feed. All you need to do is prepare a fixed feeding schedule for your little one to make sure they’re fed as frequently as needed.
After the first few days of life, formula-fed babies feed every 2-3 hours. When their tummies can hold more milk, they feed every 3-4 hours. Here’s how much milk they should be drinking based on their age:
1. How to calculate milk for newborn
A newborn drinks 1.5 to 3 ounces every 2-3 hours, on average. The amount increases as your baby grows, and as needed. You can determine whether it’s time to increase the amount of milk by observing your little one after each feeding. If they still seem hungry or fussy after giving the usual amount, it may be a sign that it’s time to increase the milk you’re giving.
2. 2-month-old baby milk intake
At 2 months, your baby is supposed to drink 4 to 5 ounces every 3-4 hours. Their stomachs can now take in more milk, which is why the space between feeding times has lengthened.
3. 4-month-old baby milk intake
When your baby reaches 4 months, they may drink 4 to 6 ounces during each feeding. The amount will depend on how often they eat, which at this point, depends on the hunger cues they give.
4. 6-month-old baby milk intake
At 6 months, your baby is now ready to eat solid food. This means their dependency on milk has decreased. Give your little one 6 to 8 ounces of milk about 4-5 times a day, on top of their daily food intake.
If your baby is satisfied after each feed, and is regularly peeing and pooping, then they’re likely getting the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
For Breastfed Babies
For breastfed babies, it may be more difficult to determine whether or not they’re getting enough milk, especially if they directly latch during each feeding. Here, you’ll read about the 6 signs that show your baby is getting enough milk as told by breastfeeding and lactation experts:
1. Your little one is feeding regularly.
One sure sign your little one is being fed well is that they breastfeed frequently. Feeding your baby milk frequently doesn’t only allow them to get the nutrients they need, but it also encourages your body to make more for your baby.
On average, a newborn baby will feed 10 to 12 times every 24 hours in their first 2 months of life, with each breastfeeding session taking between 20 to 45 minutes.
If your little one is feeding less than 8 times a day, or if their feeding sessions are quite short, reach out to your doctor in order for them to grow more comfortable with nursing.
As your little one grows, they’ll no longer need as much time to feed, and they’ll also be needing fewer nursing sessions. This is because as they grow, they’re able to take in more milk while feeding than when they were younger.
2. You can see and hear your baby swallowing while feeding.
Your little one’s sucking reflex will start with rapid sucking to get your milk flowing. As they start to receive milk, it’ll become slower and deeper as they begin to swallow the milk.
Observing your baby’s jaw for proper movement and listening to their swallowing can help assure you that they’re getting breast milk in.
If your baby is sucking quickly and there is no rhythmic pulling, it may be a sign that your baby isn’t getting enough milk. Falling asleep or giving up within a couple of minutes may also mean that they aren’t getting enough. If you observe these happening with your little one, reach out to your doctor on how you can boost your milk supply through supplements.
3. Your little one is content and happy throughout the day.
Another sure sign your baby is satisfied and getting enough milk is when they’re happy and content throughout the day. They should be comfortable not feeding frequently. If they always want to nurse, it may be a sign that they are still hungry after a feeding session. If they are sluggish or losing weight, it may also be a sign that they are not receiving adequate milk.
4. Your breasts don’t feel as full after feeding.
After each feeding, your breasts should feel softer. Having softer breasts means you emptied the milk as much as possible, which ultimately helps you create more supply for your baby for their next feeding.
If your breasts don’t empty completely after feeding, it can lead to discomfort, and even pain. Pain in the breasts or nipples are a cause for concern, and merit a call to your doctor or lactation consultant.
Using products made to help mamas make their breastfeeding journey easier can also make all the difference. Having a nipple balm ready, as well as some breast relief doughnuts can do the trick.
5. You go through several diaper changes in a day.
Diapers start piling up once your little one is able to feed more. During their first week, babies will have the same number of wet diapers as their age. After the first week, parents can expect at least 8 to 10 diapers in a day.
To keep your little one from developing rashes, change them as soon as you can. If you notice redness around the area, talk to your baby’s pediatrician for remedies you can do.
6. Your little one is gaining weight as expected.
The weight of a newborn fluctuates during their first few days of life. In fact, by around day 10, their weight might go back to their birth weight. Until they reach 6 months, babies gain between 5 to 8 ounces a week. By month 5, your baby’s weight must be at least double than their birth weight.
You can make sure your baby is well-fed by setting a schedule for them. It’s best not to keep them waiting until they’re upset and crying to feed.
There are many subtle ways your little one can show you that they’re hungry. These can include opening their mouth, turning their head towards your breast, and stirring from sleep.
These early cues, if not met with a feed, can lead to more signs of hunger, which include stretching, bringing their hand to their mouth, and being more physically active. If still not met, your little one might begin crying, flailing their arms and legs around until they’re able to eat.
Feeding your little one when they start showing early cues can keep your feedings calm. This not only helps your little one, but diminishes your stress as well. Feeding your little one early on also makes feedings more effective, as babies are focused on getting enough milk rather than expressing the huge emotions they’re feeling.
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