Will my baby get enough milk before my milk comes in?

Your Newborn's Stomach - Day 1-10
The chart below shows the average size of a newborn's stomach and how much milk it can hold at birth. Now you can see why your colostrum, or early milk, is more than enough to fill your newborn's tummy.

But there is more. Researchers have found that on Day 1, the newborn's small stomach does not stretch to hold more, as it will even a day later.
Countless hospital nurses have learned the hard way that on the first day when newborns are fed an ounce or two by bottle, most of it tends to come right back up. The walls of the newborn stomach stay firm, pushing out the extra milk rather than stretching to hold it.
On Day 1, a newborn's stomach can hold about one-sixth to one-fourth of an ounce (5 to 7 ml) per feeding. Not surprisingly, this amount of colostrum is ready and waiting in the breast.
By Day 3, as the baby gets many more of these small feedings, his stomach expands to about the size of a ping pong ball to hold more milk.
By Day 10 it is the size of an extra large chicken egg.
Is it a good idea to give a newborn more milk at each feeding to try to stretch out the stomach sooner? No. This is not a case of more is better. Many small feedings set up a healthy eating pattern right from the start. Experts tell us that it is healthier for adults to eat smaller amounts more often, and the same is true for babies and children. Coaxing a baby to take more milk may lead to overfeeding. If feeling overfull at feedings becomes the norm for a baby, this may lead to unhealthy eating habits that contribute to childhood obesity later.

Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA, Lactation Consultant, Ameda Breastfeeding Products
Coauthor of Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers

An amazing story about the power of breastmilk

This mother is amazing, doing all she can for her terminally ill child. Breastmilk is a poweful substance and it is helping her child live.


http://www.healinganaya.com/

Ameda Platinum Hospital Grade Breastpump review

Found this great post today from a mom who has used the Platinum pump! So glad the mom was able to accomplish her goal.


By Mary Morsbach

As an exclusive pumper for 11 month old twins, I can sincerely say that I have tried my fair share of breast pumps. Whether it be a hospital grade, double electric, or manual, each pump has its benefits and shortcomings.

http://mommynewsblog.com/ameda-platinum-hospital-grade-breastpump-review/

Dads and breastfeeding! Tips to help when you feel helpless!!

We have so many challenges with a newborn, why do we need to add more? Many dads want to feel like they are a part of the breastfeeding experience, so how can they when they can't feed baby? Ameda has put together some breastfeeding answer sheets to address some common challenges. Below is the information for Dads. You don't always need a bottle to help! Babies love skin to skin contact, and that is a great way for dads to bond and for babies to get the contact they love! Enjoy  your new baby! Check out motherschoiceproducts.com for  more breastfeeding answers! Look under the about breastfeeding tab!

Why are the first weeks of breastfeeding so intense?

Be prepared. This is a time of intense breastfeeding. Here are breastfeeding basics from Day 4 to Week 6.

Fun Facts

• A baby's stomach stretches from the size of a shooter marble on Day 1 to a chicken egg by Day 10.
• Most babies feed 8-12 times a day but not at set times. They may bunch feedings close together for part of the day.
• Babies may take one breast at a feeding, or they may need to feed from both breasts. Let your baby decide.
• Most mothers start to make much more milk starting on Day 3 or 4.
• Drained breasts make milk faster. Full breasts make milk slower.
• Breastfeed only. Avoid pacifiers and any other liquids.
• Your milk production grows from about 1 ounce (30 mL) to about 30 ounces (900 mL) between Days 1 and 40.

What to Expect

• If your breasts feel very full, breastfeed more or express milk. This will make you feel better, not worse.
• By Day 3-5, baby's black stools turn first green and then yellow. After that, expect 3-4 or more yellow stools every day.
• Expect 5-6 or more wet diapers a day by Day 5.
• Your baby should be back to birth weight by 2 weeks. Then expect baby to gain about 7 ounces (210 g) a week or 2 lbs (900 g) a month.
• Your baby may want to feed again soon after breastfeeding. This is normal now.
• Most babies sleep for one 4-5 hour stretch each day. It may not be at night.

Things to Learn

• Breastfeed whenever your baby wants to. You'll know it's time when baby's head turns from side to side with an open mouth. Or when she puts her hand to her mouth.
• Don't wait until your baby fusses or cries. When upset, it's harder to feed well.
• Use a position that feels good for you and your baby.
• Learn to sleep while you breastfeed. Practice during the day.
• If breastfeeding hurts, get help. A small change in how your baby takes the breast may be all you need to feel better.
• Find a mother's group near you. Spend time with other breastfeeding mothers.

Seek Breastfeeding Help When

• Breastfeeding hurts.
• Baby loose more than 10% of birth weight or after Day 4 gains weight too slowly.

Even when breastfeeding is going well, you may experience some of the following:

• Your baby has fussy times. (Most babies do.)
• She wants to feed again soon after breastfeeding. (Most babies do.)
• She wants to feed more often. (This adjusts your milk production.)
• Your breasts no longer feel full. (Usually at about 3-4 weeks.)
• She wants to feed less often or for a shorter time. (Babies get faster with practice.)
• She wakes a lot at night. (Babies need to do this to get enough milk.)
• She will take a bottle after breastfeeding. (Babies like to suck.)
• You can't express much milk. (This skill takes practice.)

You Know You Have Plenty of Milk When

• Baby Gains Weight Well On Breast Alone
  • 0-4 months: 7 ounces (210 g) a week or 2 lbs. (900g) a month
     

Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA, Lactation Consultant, Ameda Breastfeeding Products
Coauthor of Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers