When you have a newborn child, every day brings a new doubt, especially for first-time mothers. It’s very common not to know how to handle the various types of problems that arise, since this is also a learning process for you. Even though there are many books, websites and videos talking about the most diverse topics involving babies, it is always good to have as much reliable information as possible so that your questions are answered and you feel confident dealing with situations, especially after coming home from the hospital. One of the big questions that often comes up is “is my breast milk enough?” Well, there are many answers to this type of question, and that’s exactly why today we’re going to help you understand everything you need to know about your breast milk and your baby’s nutrition.
How is Breast Milk Produced?
Breast milk starts its production in cells called alveoli, stimulated by progesterone and estrogen. After that, the milk travels through the galactophore channels or ducts, formed by the mammary glands, which increase in size, also stimulated by hormones, until reaching the breasts. The ducts are about nine small straws that form a kind of “shower head” so the milk can pass through the nipples and reach the baby. Because of this stimulation, a woman’s breasts tend to grow during pregnancy. However, it is important to emphasize here that breast or nipple size does not affect breast milk production or a baby’s ability to breastfeed in any way. An interesting fact is that a woman’s body prepares this entire breastfeeding system by the second trimester of pregnancy, which means she can breastfeed even a premature baby—great news.
Is My Baby Breastfeeding Enough?
Now that you understand how breast milk is produced, you can better determine if your baby is breastfeeding enough and what problems can be solved if the answer is no. We’ll show you positive and negative signs to help clarify whether this issue is related to your milk production or not.
Positive Signs
If your baby urinates frequently, this is a sign they are getting enough milk for good nutrition. It is very common for newborns to need a diaper change five or even more times a day. Bowel movements, on the other hand, are not an indicator of breastfeeding itself; the amount produced is not directly related to how much milk the baby drinks, since there are other factors, such as weight. Speaking of weight, this is another factor that shows if your baby is feeding enough. When the baby is gaining weight adequately, this is another sign that feeding is going well. But pay attention, as it is very common for the baby to lose between 10% and 15% of their weight after birth. This weight is regained within the first 15 days of life, and from this period on, weight gain should be taken into account to determine if the baby is breastfeeding well or not.
Negative Signs
Some of the negative signs are exactly the opposite of those mentioned above, that is, if the baby urinates little or does not gain enough weight. In addition to these two, another clear sign that the baby is not breastfeeding enough is when they don’t seem satisfied. When a baby is full, they tend to let go of the mother’s breast and fall asleep quickly, but when this does not happen, they usually become irritable, cry a lot, and have trouble sleeping. Pay attention to these signs to make sure your baby is or is not feeding enough.
When To Seek Help?
A woman should seek professional help when she notices that she is being affected in some way or that her baby is being affected by low milk production. In these cases, a doctor can suggest the best alternative, which can vary for each case. The most important thing is for you to resolve this matter and not interrupt your baby’s breastfeeding, as this is an important process not only for nutrition, but for the affectionate bond created between mother and child at this time.
Main Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding problems are not rare, but they must be treated seriously so as not to create issues with the baby’s nutrition. We’ve listed the main breastfeeding problems and the best ways to solve them. Some of the main problems are:
- Incorrect latch
- Stress
- Engorged breasts
Incorrect Latch
An incorrect latch directly affects breast milk production and can also cause significant discomfort for the mother, such as breast pain and cracked nipples. The baby should take the entire nipple into their mouth, positioning the nipple close to the back of the throat. When the baby latches only at the tip of the mouth, the milk flows incorrectly from the mother’s breast, as the correct glands are not being stimulated. This affects milk production, the baby’s feeding, and the mother’s health.
Stress
Stress is another factor that directly influences breastfeeding. A woman who does not have her mental health in balance can end up reflecting this in lower milk production, which leads to other problems for her and, of course, for her baby.
Engorged Breasts
Sore, very red, and hard breasts may indicate that the milk is engorged. This is also a common problem that can be resolved in several ways. It usually happens because your body is producing too much milk and does not necessarily mean your baby isn’t breastfeeding enough. Some options to deal with this include storing your milk in bottles, massaging the area, using cold compresses to relieve pain, or even natural expression, where you express your milk to discard it somewhere.
How to Boost Milk Production?
There are some tips that can help increase your milk production so you don’t need to use any alternatives to feed your baby. Some of these tips are:
- Breastfeed right after birth
- Always try to be well-rested
- The more you breastfeed, the more your body is encouraged to produce milk
- Switch breasts only when the first one is empty
- Drink plenty of water
These small actions can make a big difference when feeding your baby, helping with weight gain and healthy growth. Breastfeeding is not just nourishing your baby: it is also a special moment of connection between mother and child, a moment of affection that must be valued and taken seriously by everyone. The question “is my breast milk enough?” often comes up for many mothers and, as we’ve discussed earlier, the answer lies in the way you interact with your baby, in your own health, and in your baby’s health as well.
Always keep in mind that you also need to be well so that your baby has a good life and nutritious feeding. If necessary, you can use an appropriate multivitamin for this breastfeeding phase, such as FamiGesta, which you can find here. That’s how a new life is built: with a mother’s care and the affection needed for your baby to grow strong and healthy.
See also: Why is Breast Milk So Important?
Photo: 102Messmanos
