03/02/2015
No.2 Worries that your little one is not getting enough
It’s every mother’s worst nightmare…….not being able to provide what your child needs.
This fear/worry/anxiety starts from the day you conceive till more than likely the day you die It is only a mothers instinct to provide everything that will benefit your child though-out their entire life. So the first worries associated to breastfeeding are completely common and understandable.
As a mother (particularly a first time mum) you MUST remember that while advice is always given you DO NOT have to always take it on board. Sometimes it’s best to listen to your intuition and try a variety of different things.
A few signs that your bub may not be getting the right stuff are;
1. Less than 5-6 wet nappies in 24 hours.
2. Less than 3 or more soft bowel movements a day (for infants).If a little more solid than usually needs more breast to soften it up. (Again all bub are different, mine used to do a huge soft one about once a week, ask others about their experiences if concerned before you start to panic :) )
3. If you gently ‘pinch’ their skin, and it does NOT spring back into place. A unhealthy skin colour and lack of muscle tone.
4. If baby is sleeping a lot and usually unsettled. This does not mean babies who cry a lot are not getting enough it could be several other reasons.
If you feel the above signs relate than the next question, education?
Did you know that breastfeed babies do drink smaller amounts and therefore have more feeds and sometimes for longer? This was something I learnt with my 3rd child (that’s right, not my first). She was my smallest baby and so from the beginning I was nervous about everything. Long story short, when I was told she was not putting enough weight on I started to part bottle feed (as advised), I got so anxious as she would only drink 30ml (if lucky) and she seemed less settled.
In hindsight, I wish I had researched a little more as although not putting on recommended weight she was happy, content, latching well and my breast full, indicating that I was giving her all she needed and in fact…….filling her little tummy with so many nutrients that she only needed small amounts during her breastfeeds. It is the simple fact that breastfed babies eat more frequently than formula-fed ones as breast milk is more easily digested, so moves through their little bodies faster. The conclusion for me after learning this was like some people have fast metabolisms so do some babies, and so long as my little girl was swallowing, wetting and pooing like she should be then chances are I’m doing it right.
This is just my experience and things that I took from my research. Having regular check-ups with a lactation consultant, early childhood community staff (your local community usually has all sorts of support networks that are fantastic) other mums, family and of course your GP can help you feel more confident in your ability to breastfeed or help make an educated decision that down the track you won’t think twice about.
THE MOST IMPORTANAT THING……is support and correct information.
Remember so long as we all know, that by loving them unconditionally and doing all we can do above and beyond our means to give them the best of everything from the day they have been conceived we ARE the best mum in the world!!!!
