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Wednesday 4 April 2012

Breast feeding basics from 6 weeks to 6 months

Now breastfeeding gets faster and easier.


 

Fun Facts

  • Your baby's stomach is larger and holds more milk. He may feed less often.
  • Lots of breastfeeding at first means your milk supply is set.
  • Most mothers no longer feel full, even with lots of milk.
  • Babies need about as much milk per day at 6 weeks as 6 months.
  • Now breastfeeding starts to take less time than bottle-feeding.
  • When breastfeeding well, a baby does best on mother's milk alone until about 6 months.

What to Expect

  • Older babies are faster feeders. The baby who used to feed for 40 minutes may now be done in 15 minutes.
  • Some babies this age have fewer stools but gain weight just fine.
  • Older babies may pull off the breast when they hear or see things around them.
  • Until 4 months, expect a weight gain of at least 6 ounces (170 g) a week or 1.5 lbs (680 g) a month. From 4-6 months, expect a weight gain of at least 4-5 ounces (113-142 g) a week or 1 lb. (452 g) a month.

Things to Learn

  • Trust your baby to know the right time to feed.
  • Practice breastfeeding when away from home until you feel at ease.

Seek Breastfeeding Help When

  • Breastfeeding hurts.
  • Baby 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
    • 4-6 months: 4-5 ounces (120-150g) a week or 1 lb. (480 g) a month

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