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To ensure that the milk that is offered to the baby is sufficient, it is important that breastfeeding up to six months is done on demand, that is, without time restrictions and without breastfeeding time, but at least 8 to 12 months. times in a 24-hour period.
When these recommendations are followed, the baby is unlikely to be hungry, as he will be nourished properly.
Still, after breastfeeding, the mother should be aware of the following signs to confirm that breastfeeding was really enough:
- The sound of the baby swallowing was noticeable;
- The baby appears to be calm and relaxed after breastfeeding;
- The baby spontaneously released the breast;
- The breast became lighter and softer after the feeding;
- The nipple is the same as it was before the feeding, it is not flat or white.
Some women may report thirst, drowsiness and relaxation after providing the baby with milk, which is also strong evidence that breastfeeding was effective and that the baby was breastfed enough.
Other ways to identify effective breastfeeding
In addition to the signs that can be observed right after breastfeeding, there are other signs that can be observed over time and that help to know if the baby is breastfeeding enough, such as:
1. The baby does the correct breast attachment
Proper breast attachment is essential to ensure the child's good nutrition, as it ensures that the baby can suck and swallow milk effectively and without choking risks. Check how the baby should get the right grip while breastfeeding.
2. The baby's weight is increasing
During the first three days of life it is common for the newborn to lose weight, however after the 5th day of breastfeeding, when the milk production increases, the baby will regain the lost weight within 14 days and after that period will gain about 20 to 30 grams per day for the first three months and 15 to 20 grams per day for three to six months.
3. Wet diapers are changed 4 times a day
Right after birth, in the first week, the baby should wet a diaper with urine daily until the 4th day. After this period, the use of 4 or 5 diapers per day is estimated, which should also be heavier and wetter, which is a great indication that breastfeeding is sufficient and that the baby is well hydrated.
4. Dirty diapers are changed 3 times a day
The feces during the first days after birth, behave like urine, that is, the baby has a dirty diaper for each day of birth until the 4th day, after that the feces change from green or dark brown to tone more yellowish and diapers are changed at least 3 times a day, in addition to being in greater quantity compared to the first week.