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#Advice for mothers

Advice for mothers

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Importance of Folic Acid in Pregnancy?

What is Active Folic Acid and what are its advantages?

Here’s an interesting fact ladies. Folic acid is good for any woman. No matter the age, and it doesn’t matter if you’re trying to get pregnant or if you’re already pregnant.

Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women. You might ask why. Well, because A) it is not an acid per se, but a vitamin from the group B (B9). And B) because mother’s low level of folic acid is a risk factor for the development of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. The neural tube forms the baby’s brain and spinal cord, necessary for the structure and the proper function of the nervous system.

The realization that taking folic acid in the form of a dietary supplement reduces the percentage of defects to the nervous system of a newborn by more than 70% is one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century. So, you can understand why it is recommendable for pregnant women to take it.

It also is important to know that major development of the brain and spinal cord occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. Those first 12 weeks are crucial and that’s why additional intake of folic acid is recommended during that period. Ideally, you’ll start taking folic acid at least 3 months before you get pregnant, but the general rule of thumb is… It’s never too early to start taking folic acid.

A beneficial effect is achieved with an additional daily intake of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid during one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.

And what about Active Folic Acid?

Active folic acid is actually the form in which our body utilizes folic acid. This means that folic acid itself and folates from food are not biologically active. They must go through the process of conversion into the metabolically active form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), with the help of the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Part of the population, due to unique genetic patterns, has polymorphic forms of this enzyme and does not produce adequate or effective MTHFR.

By taking an active folic acid through a food supplement actually means that you are taking a readily prepared, biologically utilized form of folic acid and needn’t worry whether your body might or might not be having the right capacity to convert non-active forms to active folic acid.

Now, all active folic acid forms are not the same.

The Quatrefolic® form belongs to the fourth generation of folic acid. It is considered an innovative form of active folic acid, with high level of solubility in water, and by this is expected to have a high level of bioavailability which means high utilization in the body.

So, our dear ladies, if you are planning a baby, or you are already pregnant, your gynecologist or pharmacist will most probably recommend a food supplement specially developed for your needs. It is recommendable it contains an active form of folic acid, and Quatrefolic being the innovative one is expected to provide adequate amounts of folic acid to your body.

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Weight Gain in Pregnancy: How Much Is Normal?

First and foremost, let us put your mind at ease future mama. Weight gain in pregnancy is completely normal. There we’ve said it. All pregnant women go through it, and most likely you are as well. It is expected for a pregnant woman to gain between 10 and 12.5 kilograms, and most are putting the majority of the weight after week 20 in their pregnancy.

However, there’s one thing to consider when talking about weight gain in pregnancy. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight gain. That means eating healthy and nutritious food and staying active during the entirety of your pregnancy will ensure that the weight gain stays in the healthy weight gain range.

What Are the Possible Health Complications If You’re Having an Unhealthy Weight Gain?

Gaining too much weight during pregnancy may increase the chances of developing serious complications that can potentially be harmful to you and your baby. One such complication is hypertension which can occur during pregnancy, or even pre-eclampsia.

Gestational diabetes is another potential complication in pregnancy. It means you have too much glucose in your blood during pregnancy, and it may result in delivering a very large baby.

Nevertheless, even if no health issues may appear, the more weight you gain, the more difficult it would be for you to lose afterwards.

We already mentioned that gaining too much weight during pregnancy can be a problem. But at the same time gaining too little weight can become a possible problem as well. Gaining too little weight may result in the premature birth of your baby or the delivery of an underweight baby.

So, What’s Recommended for A Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain?

Experts advise that you maintain a healthy and balanced diet during your pregnancy. They also recommend not eating more than additional 350 calories (on top of the usual recommended caloric intake for women) in the first and second trimesters. And they also recommend not eating more than additional 450 calories, during the final stages of your pregnancy.

The amount of calories changes if you’re pregnant with twins or other multiples so there needs to be a consideration to adjust your diet accordingly. You may also want to consider limiting the intake of processed foods and added sugars or fats in your diet. At the same time, try to stay physically active during the entirety of your pregnancy.

Another think to have in consideration when defining how much weight you should gain during your pregnancy is your starting BMI. The higher the BMI, the less weight you should gain, the lower the BMI, the more weight you should gain during pregnancy.

Talk to your health provider about any questions and concerns you might have. And enjoy your pregnancy. You’re at the start of one beautiful journey called motherhood and try to make the most of it during the 9 months of your pregnancy.

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Waking Up A Baby for Feedings: A Good or Bad Idea?

There’s an old saying: „Never wake up a sleeping baby “. And the older generations love to say it to new mothers, don’t they? But nowadays that old saying belongs solely in the past. New recommendations from the leading pediatricians and health providers say otherwise… We’ll get to that in a second.

Baby’s Sleep Is Different from Grown-Up Sleep

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that most babies sleep a lot in their first year. Like, a lot, lot. And that’s perfectly normal because they’re growing so quickly. Their brains and their bodies need rest and good sleep in order to properly develop.

Next, day and night confusion are quite common among babies, as your baby’s circadian rhythm is still underdeveloped. However, if your baby sleeps more during the day than at night, it can be a bit of a problem. You don’t want your child sleepy all day, and up all night? Well, then you have permission to wake up your sleeping baby if the day naps exceed the 3-hour mark.

Experts recommend that babies up to 12 months should sleep from 12 to 16 hours a day. Naps are included in this time of course. So, don’t be afraid to let your baby sleep. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

So, Is It A Good Idea to Wake Up Your Baby?

Yes. It’s perfectly OK to wake up your baby, and there are several instances where that is very much allowed.

As we mentioned previously, you should wake up a sleeping baby during the day, especially if the baby’s nap exceeded the 3-hour mark.

Most newborns need up to 12 feedings a day, which means they should nurse every two or three hours. Also, frequent feedings are good both for the baby and the mom. The baby is getting fed, while the mom is getting her milk supply regulated. Remember, breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. The more you breastfeed your child (or pump) the more milk you’ll produce.

The babies who are fed with formula may extend the stretches between 3 hours, but that’s only because the formula needs more time to digest in the baby’s little tummy.

Another thing to remember is that most babies tend to lose 10% of their birth weight after they’re born, so frequent feedings are recommended for getting to a healthy weight.

And finally, a good reason to wake up a sleeping baby is a dirty or wet diaper. You definitely don’t want to leave your baby in a dirty diaper for too long. It can cause a diaper rash, and it’s not pleasant for the baby.

But How to Stretch Your Baby’s Sleep During the Night?

Through consistency and routine. Before bedtime, set a routine and stick to it every night. You may try a calming bath, a diaper change, a new clean set of clothes, feeding, and then off to the crib. Also make sure not to get your baby into an overtired state. Because overtired, cranky, and fussy babies are not easy to settle. So, start the routine, follow your baby’s sleep ques, be consistent. Your baby will love it.

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Swelling in Pregnancy: When Does It Appear and What to Do About It?

Hey pregnant lady. A gentle reminder that swelling in pregnancy (or pregnancy edema) is completely normal. If you’re experiencing swelling while heavily pregnant we empathize with you. You probably feel like a balloon, and let’s face it. You probably think you look like one. That couldn’t be further from the truth, you know?

Yes, it may seem unpleasant, but edema in the last stages of pregnancy is completely normal. About two-thirds of all pregnant women report having some form of pregnancy swelling in their legs (especially ankles), fingers, and face. So, don’t worry too much about it, and try to enjoy the last stretch of your pregnancy.

When and Where Does Pregnancy Edema Appear?

Although it may appear at any point of your pregnancy, the swelling most often appears the further along you are in your pregnancy. Typically, during the last trimester. However, when it comes to the time of the day specifically, many pregnant women report that it appears near the end of the day. It’s quite understandable really. Many pregnant women are working during the bulk of their pregnancies. They’re either sitting or standing over long periods. Or perhaps they’re pregnant during the summer, which also contributes to the pregnancy edema. Yes, the swelling will most likely go away in the morning, and re-appear at the end of the day.

But why does it appear?

Well, there’s a perfectly good medical explanation for the appearance of pregnancy swelling. Around the second trimester of your pregnancy, the blood flow in the body decreases and fluid starts to accumulate in the tissues. Also, it’s because the growing uterus is putting a lot of pressure on the inferior vena cava. This decreases the blood flow to the central circulation and thus the swelling starts to become noticeable.

If it is gradual, then it’s not harmful so don’t stress too much about it.

However, What Can You Do to Reduce the Pregnancy Swelling?

You could try elevating your feet of course. If you’re spending the majority of your day sitting or standing, then you should probably take time to elevate your feet, higher than your waist. Or perhaps you should consider putting a pillow under your feet at night. You can also try to reduce the intake of salt in your diet and increase the intake of water. So, in order to prevent fluid retention, don’t eat too many those salty snacks in the last stages of your pregnancy.

Lastly, if the pregnancy swelling gets too uncomfortable and pronounced then you could invest in some compression socks. They do an excellent job of reducing the enema by putting pressure on the swelling. And of course, they’re highly recommended if you’re standing a lot in your third trimester. They’re not a permanent cure for pregnancy swelling, but they do help a lot.

In the End… Stop Stressing About It!

Pregnancy swelling is uncomfortable yes. You’re feeling like a balloon and the growing baby in your belly is not helping matters much. But it usually goes away after the delivery, so try to hang in there. This too shall pass, and you’ll be meeting your bundle of joy soon as well. A win-win for every pregnant lady.

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Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests: What Are the Options and When to Have Them?

You just find out that you’re pregnant. Congratulations are in order of course. The nine months of pregnancy are a period of lots of anxiety, trepidation, and for first-time parents, a lot of firsts. The first ultrasound, the first kick in the belly… However, out of the many tests that you’ll be assigned to take during pregnancy, there are a few that are optional.

Yes, each semester of the pregnancy requires plenty of monitoring, tests, and guidelines to ensure the pregnancy is healthy for the mother and the baby. Every parent is hoping to have a healthy baby, and prenatal screening tests are a great way to be certain of that.

What Are Prenatal Genetic Tests?

They’re tests that are designed to give future parents information regarding the potential genetic disorders that their child might have. Most of the genetic disorders are inherited disorders from one or both parents, so it’s best to know them early in pregnancy. It’s worth noting here that genetic tests can be performed even before pregnancy, if both of the partners would like to ensure they’re not carriers of some genetic disorder. But for now, we’re going to focus solely on the prenatal ones.

There are two main types of prenatal genetic tests. Prenatal screening tests and Prenatal diagnostic tests. The former determines if the baby is likely (or has a risk) to have some birth defects, while the latter determines if a baby does have a birth defect. Diagnostic tests are the only way to establish a diagnosis, but both of these tests are optional.

First Trimester Screening Tests

The most common are the first-trimester screening tests. Otherwise known as Combined first-trimester screening (CFTS). Those can include tests that indicate the risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21 or presence of an extra chromosome at position 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). The tests are compiled from blood work, a nuchal translucency (NT) screening ultrasound, mother’s age and weight determination, and the age of the pregnancy. They’re usually done between week 9 and week 13 of the pregnancy and yes. They are optional as well.

Prenatal Diagnostic Tests

These tests can determine with accuracy greater than 99.9 percent whether or not a developing baby has a chromosomal abnormality. Most commonly used one is amniocentesis. It is performed in the second trimester. Usually, if the first trimester screening test shows a certain level of risk for genetic disorder, or if the mother is older than 35 years, the doctor may recommend an optional diagnostic test.

Why Should You Have Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests?

Well, as we mentioned the tests are elective and depend on the personal preferences of the parents. However, there are many reasons why parents may choose to do these tests. One of those reasons is the family history of some of the genetic disorders. If one or both of the parents have a family member with some genetic disorder, there is high probability that their baby would inherit it as well. One more reason is if the expectant mother is over the age of 35, while another is if the mother has had a history of miscarriages or stillbirths.

Whatever you choose to do, it’s best to consult with your doctor first. The medical team will advise you on the types of tests and the options that you might have as the pregnancy progresses.

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Postpartum Depression: What Are the Symptoms and What to Do to Treat It?

It’s been estimated that one in ten women will experience postpartum depression after giving birth, while some studies say that it’s one in seven women. Yes, this may sound concerning, but what’s more concerning is that nearly 50% of the mothers with postpartum depression are undiagnosed by health professionals.

Just by hearing about Postpartum depression, it might seem like it’s a common trend among today’s mothers. It may seem like a made-up illness that most of modern women experience these days. The truth is, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Postpartum depression is not a modern trend. Mothers throughout history have certainly had it, but back then it was not discussed at all. Back then Postpartum depression was even called differently. Your mothers and grandmothers called it „the baby blues“ for instance. If we go further back (in the 4th century B.C.), we’ll encounter the famous Greek physician Hippocrates. He was actually among the first to notice it and make a written note about it. Which leaves us to ponder and ask…

What Is Postpartum Depression?

As the name would suggest, Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in women in the postpartum period. It usually starts in the first two or three days after birth and can last weeks or even months after birth. It’s important to understand that the act of giving birth is a life-altering experience for the mother, and being a parent is extremely hard. Especially for the mother. The late-night feelings, the exhaustion, the sleep deprivation, and the raging hormones are all culprits for the Postpartum Depression (or PPD) in mothers. There’s nothing to feel ashamed or guilty about. If you experience PPD you’re not alone. It’s also not your fault and you can get through it with the proper help.

How Can You Tell If You Have Postpartum Depression?

There are several symptoms that women with Postpartum Depression may experience, which are good indicators that you might be suffering from PPD as well. Feeling sad or being in a low mood is one big symptom to look out for. Feeling agitated or easily irritated is another red flag of having PPD. Lack of energy and loss of interest to do the things you did previously is something to be mindful of. Insomnia, loss of appetite, and poor concentration are also symptoms of PPD. So are negative or intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness. Crying is quite common in Postpartum depression and so are the problems with bonding between you and your baby. If you experience some of these symptoms (or all of them), make sure to talk to your doctor.

What to Do to Treat Postpartum Depression?

Remember. Reaching out for help is a great way to start treating your Postpartum Depression. Talk to your doctor or other health providers and they will provide you will the appropriate course of action. Whether it’s counseling, cognitive therapy, or medication there are ways to help.

In the meantime, ask for help around the house chores and the baby. You can limit visitors to your home. You can also do things that bring you joy. Things like light exercise or leisurely walks with your baby. A balanced nutritious diet is always a good idea in this period. Rest is also very much needed, so make sure to sleep and rest as much as you can.

And last but certainly not least, be kind to yourself. You’re a great mother and this too shall pass.

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Postnatal Care for Mothers: 10 Tips to Survive the Postpartum Period

Giving birth to your child is one of the most life-changing moments a woman can have. However, the period after birth (often called the postpartum period) seems like the most challenging for most mothers. Not only they’re responsible for this tiny human they’ve created, but they also need some love and care themselves. Mothers are in an especially delicate emotional and physical state in this period, so the six to eight weeks of postpartum are especially important for postpartum care.

What Is the Postpartum Period You Might Ask?

Well, as the name suggests it is the period after the birth of the child and up until eight weeks after that. This is a challenging period in which the parents are trying to bond with the baby, establish good sleeping patterns and breastfeeding practices that will benefit not just the baby… But also, the mother as well. Although the mom is mostly focused on the tiny albeit very adorable baby, the mom needs some postnatal care as well. She’s sleep-deprived, tired, sweaty, and probably in pain, at least during the first few days. Not to mention, she’s struggling with a surge of hormones on a daily basis. We’re here to offer some tips, tricks, and general suggestions to make the postpartum period a bit easier for the mom. Remember. A happy mom will make a happy baby.

Sleep when the baby sleeps

Or at the very least, take every opportunity to get some much-needed rest. Go to bed early. Take an afternoon nap. Trust us. You’re going to need it. The newborn stage is rough for both parents, but more so for the mother. You’re probably getting up to change diapers, to nurse, and to rock your baby back to sleep. It’s exhausting, for sure. Sleep deprivation is tough, so if you have an opportunity to rest and get some sleep… Take it.

Be kind to yourself

You’ve brought a baby to life, so, make sure to be kind to yourself. The negativity, criticism and harsh self-talk are counterproductive and will bring you nothing but trouble. Have some compassion and grace towards yourself. You’re a wonderful mother, the best for your child and the postpartum period will pass. Just try to be kind to yourself.

Find ways to be more active

Yes. We know that going to the gym is not on the list of priorities in the postpartum period. However, there are ways to keep yourself active even with a newborn by your side. Simply, go for a walk outside. Put the baby in the stroller and go for a 30-minute’ walk. It will be good for you and the baby, and you’ll get your physical exercise along with some fresh air. Besides, a change of scenery is always good.

Accept help whenever you can

The saying, it takes a village to raise a child is not for nothing. If you have the opportunity to get help around the house or with your child, take it. It will save you so much energy and time, and it’s a good way to get your partner involved in the postpartum period.

Establish a routine with your baby

With a newborn at home, things can easily become messy. Establishing a routine benefits you as much as your baby really. Regardless if it’s a morning or night routine, a routine is still a predictable action that will help things go smoothly and make your days (or nights) more organized and lot easier. It is very important for your baby since it gives them a sense of security and stability. Your baby will start to recognize the cues of the routine, like about waking up or going back to sleep. It would make them feel calmer and more comfortable. So, make sure to set a good routine.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

For most people, self-care seems like a regular daily occurrence. However, for moms of newborns, this seems like a luxury that they can’t afford. Most moms don’t have the time or willpower to do much, let alone take a nice warm bath, or eat a well-balanced and nutritional meal. But you should eat and you should make some time for yourself. So, ask for help. Leave the baby with your partner, a relative or a friend for a while. Do something you enjoy.

Limit visitors

This seems like a weird suggestion, but it’s a highly recommended one. Plenty of your extended family members and friends will likely want to come and see the baby. Although this sounds like a good idea on paper, in reality, it’s the exact opposite. It’s a rather terrible idea. The first six to eight weeks are critical for you and especially for your baby as you’re both fragile. So, it’s best to say no to your family and friends, if they express wishes to see you or the baby. They’re carrying germs and bacteria that your baby can catch easily, so it’s best to limit visitors to a bare minimum.

Keep an eye on your mental health

This is extremely important for mothers. Especially for new mothers who are dealing with sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, hormonal imbalance, and fussy babies by their side. Postnatal depression is a real thing and it can affect you. So, if you see the signs of postnatal depression (like sadness, moodiness, inability to bond with your baby) don’t hesitate to ask professional help.

Break away from routine

Yes, we know. We just said it’s good to have an established routine. However, for us grown-ups routines can be mundane and boring at times. Especially for moms who are stuck at home all day with the baby. So perhaps you should shake things up. Take a new route to your favorite park today. Cook a new quick yet delicious meal today. Or perhaps call a new friend that you haven’t talked to in a while. Just small things that are going to make all the difference.

Last but certainly not least. Limit stimulation!

This applies to your baby, but it can apply to you too. Remember, your mind is already preoccupied all day and night. When did my baby nurse last time? How much milk did my baby have? When is her doctor’s appointment? Your mind is stimulated and you’re going to get to a state of burnout soon. So, when it comes to getting rest at night, feel free to dim the lights. Turn off any appliances that overstimulate (TV, computer) and put away the phone. You don’t need to be scrolling at 11 p.m. You need to rest and recharge.

The Post-Partum period is hard, it’s especially hard for the mothers, so do what’s best for you and your baby. Yes, your baby may be a priority for you, but you have to make sure to take care of yourself as well. Take it easy, ask for help and try to survive the postnatal period with your physical and mental health intact.

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Pain and Breastfeeding: How to Overcome It?

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural, normal processes a woman can experience in her lifetime. It’s a beautiful bonding moment for the mother and child. Experts advise a mother to breastfeed her child exclusively for a minimum of 6 months and as supplementary feeding for up to 2 years of age.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It’s nurturing them, it contains antibodies that protect the baby. Breastfeeding is also good for the mom as well.

However, for some mothers, breastfeeding can be quite a challenge. Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy to some mothers, and some moms do report problems such as discomfort and pain during the breastfeeding process. Yes, it can take time for both the mom and the baby to get the hang of it, but once they do, it’s smooth sailing from there.

What Are the Challenges for Breastfeeding Mothers?

Well, there are many challenges for a breastfeeding mom. Especially if she’s a first-time mom. However, we’re going to mention a few.

Breast engorgement is a big challenge for most breastfeeding mothers. It’s when the women’s breasts get overly full with milk, and they may feel hard and very painful. Especially in the early days of breastfeeding, when the baby actually needs very little milk, and yet very often. It can be due to overproduction of milk, or simply by bad latching from the baby.

Poor latching may lead to sore or bleeding nipples which causes a lot of pain and discomfort as well.

Blocked milk ducts can be a painful challenge for breastfeeding mothers as well. If the milk ducts in the breast aren’t drained properly they can get blocked, and yes, it’s also an unpleasant and painful experience. You may also feel a lump on the breast that has the blocked milk duct. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal.

If blocked ducts are not drained, it may lead to mastitis, which can be also quite painful. It’s an inflammation of the breast tissue that sometimes can involve even an infection. It results in swelling, pain in the breast, and redness and it can be quite hard on the mother. She may even experience flu-like symptoms during mastitis, and the pain is typically more intense than the pain from blocked milk ducts.

Make sure you contact your doctor if you suspect having a mastitis. You might need additional pharmaceutical therapy, such as antibiotics.

So, What Can Mothers Do to Reduce the Chances of Pain During Breastfeeding?

Well, there are plenty of things to do in order to reduce the pain depending on the situation. It may sound counterintuitive, but in most cases, you must push through the pain and keep breastfeeding.

Getting a good and proper latch for your child is essential, cause improper latching sores the nipples and causes pain for the mother.

Also, you could invest in a good nipple cream. Nipples that are too dry can cause nipple soreness, and a good nipple cream can ease the pain and discomfort. Most nipple creams are made from 100% lanolin, and they’re perfectly safe for the baby. Breastfeeding mothers could also invest in some good quality nursing bras. One that’s made from natural materials (like cotton), and a bra that can be easily attached and detached when needed.

And of course, a warm shower and a gentle massage to the sore breast could do wonders for easing the pain when having a blocked duct. The warmth of the shower and the pressure from the massage can help with the flow of milk, and thus prevent the pain of transitioning into a more serious problem.

Don’t give up! It does get better!

Hey breastfeeding moms. Don’t give up. The first days of your breastfeeding journey can seem difficult, but there are ways to ease the process. And of course, to make the breastfeeding journey a bit more comfortable for you and your baby.

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Nursing A Baby: How Can I Tell My Baby Is Eating Enough?

Every mother wonders about this at one point in her breastfeeding journey. Is my baby getting enough milk? Is my baby eating enough? That has proven to be especially true for first-time mothers, who lack the experience and the knowledge of second and third-time mothers.

Pediatricians and healthcare experts recommend mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months, so it’s safe to say that breastfeeding is a full-time job for most mothers. Babies tend to feed around the clock or even on demand, so don’t worry if you’re feeling like a milk machine. Most mothers feel this way.

Yes. It may take a while to get comfortable to accurately tell if your baby is getting enough milk. That’s also true for mothers who choose to formula-feed their babies. Practice does make things easier, but in the early days and even weeks with your baby, it’s hard to tell.

So… How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Eating Enough?

Well, the first latch of the breastfeeding process is always important. If there’s a good latch then the breastfeeding process will become much easier for you and your baby. Not feeling any pain while breastfeeding is also a good indicator of a good latch. Although the first few sucks of the latches may feel a bit strong, the latch and subsequent breastfeeding should be a painless experience. Nevertheless, it may take some time before you get used to it.

What else is there?

Well, for starters your baby is feeding regularly. Babies tend to feed quite often, so frequent feedings are generally a good sign that your baby is getting enough milk. Babies up to 2 months tend to feed up to 15 times a day, so yes. Frequent feeding is always a good sign.

You can also tell if your baby is eating enough if it’s happy and content. If your baby is happy, alert, and content after the feeding, that usually means it reaches full satiation and is well-fed.

One of the methods that’s very helpful in the first days to track your baby’s feeding is by the wet diapers you change during the day and night. If you’re changing at least 6 wet and dirty diapers in 24 hours, that means your baby is getting fed well.

Another good indicator if your baby is eating well, is if it’s gaining weight. If your baby is progressing, growing, and developing nicely then that means it’s eating enough.

And finally, if your baby is pulling away from your breast then that probably means it’s not hungry anymore. Babies have a great way of letting you know if they’re full and well-fed. They’ll start refusing your breast and even pushing it away from them.

First Feeding Then Burping

If you thought that’s the end of the feeding session, then you’d be wrong. Burping is the next step that comes after feeding, especially for very small babies. Not burping after feeding may make your baby cranky and gassy. Or it can even spit up most of the milk you tried so hard to produce. That’s because babies tend to swallow plenty of air while breastfeeding, and that air may become trapped in their tummies. It can become quite uncomfortable so a good burping is always welcomed. Position the baby in an upright position leaned upon your shoulder, while gently padding on the baby’s back.

Good luck, mama. You’ve got this.

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