New mothers often wonder how they can tell if their baby is getting enough milk. Fortunately there are several indicators that can be used to determine the adequacy of baby’s milk intake.
First and foremost is weight gain. Most babies lose some weight in the days following birth. However, once a mother’s transitional milk comes in, her baby should begin to gain. By two weeks of age, she should expect to see a return to birth weight. Breastfed infants typically gain between four and eight ounces per week thereafter.
Stool output and urination is another important means of gauging adequate intake. An infant who is receiving adequate amounts of milk (and therefore enough calories for growth) will stool at least three times in every 24-hour period by the time he is five or so days of age. Often the stool is yellow in color and has a pasty or watery consistency. Tiny white seeds or curds may often be seen. Wet diapers are important as well, but are only an indicator of hydration, not caloric intake. So, while at least five wet diapers in every 24-hour period is expected (and certainly encouraging), stool output is the most reassuring indicator of adequate intake by an infant under six weeks of age.
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