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Breastfeeding
: Breastmilk - Making Sure Baby Is Getting Enough
Breastmilk satisfies both hunger and thirst, so extra water is
usually not needed. A baby fed at the breast controls the quantity
of milk he or she drinks, usually drawing only as much as is needed
and desired. As a result, overfeeding or underfeeding are unlikely
to occur. Nonetheless, it's not uncommon for a breastfeeding mother
to worry about whether her baby is getting enough milk.
One simple way of answering this question is to count the number
of wet diapers. Usually 6 to 8 wet diapers a day is a sign that
your baby is drinking enough. The best way to be sure that your
baby is getting enough milk is by the following the weight gain;
on average, during the first 3 months of life babies gain about
2 lbs, or 1 kilogram, per month. This equals about one ounce per
day. Between the third and sixth months, babies gain about half
that amount during the first 3 months or about half an ounce a
day. In general, babies weigh double their birth weight by about
4 months.
By 6 months of age, though breastmilk is still an excellent source
of nutrition for your baby - it no longer provides the entire
range of nutrients needed for continued growth. Between the fourth
and the sixth month, your baby's diet should begin to include
solid foods that provide the extra calories and nutrients (especially
iron) which breastmilk alone cannot. When taken in combination
with solid foods, breastmilk remains an excellent source of nutrition
for babies for as long as breastfeeding continues.
Other Breastfeeding
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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