The most frequent question asked by new mothers is, “How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?” Breastmilk isn’t seen or measured as it passes from the mother’s breast to the baby’s stomach. New mothers may worry if the baby is getting anything at all! If this question is not answered, a mother’s concern can lead to unnecessary supplementation which, in turn can actually lead to a decrease in milk supply.
The easiest answer to this question is the old saying, “What goes in must come out!” If your baby is voiding and stooling appropriately, then he’s getting enough milk. The next question is, “How many wet and dirty diapers are enough?”
The answer to that changes with time: one wet diaper and one dirty diaper in the first twenty four hours are considered adequate. By day six, the baby should have 5-6 wet diapers and 4 yellow stools in twenty four hours.
Another sign that the baby is getting enough milk is the change in the color of the baby’s stools. The first two days after birth, the baby’s stools are usually black. (This is the meconium that was in the baby’s intestines before birth. By day three, the stool should turn green and then yellow by day four or five. Too few stools or stools that are still black or brown by day five, may mean that the baby is not getting enough milk. In that case, a concerned mother should consult with her pediatrician/lactation consultant. Baby may not be feeding frequently enough, may not be latched on properly to the breast or there may be another issue.
