One of the hardest things I found about having a new born was feeding time at the “zoo”. I used to dread this time! It was painful, took sometimes up to two hours and it was so stressful not knowing how much my baby was actually getting. On top of that I had mastitis six times, but that’s a whole other story! So we’ve enlisted the help of a midwife and lactation consultant to help us! She’s an Adelady by the name of Kassie…
Hayley xx
Image credit: Emma Fleetwood Photography
Guest post by Kassie Whitworth
KASSIE’S DISCLAIMER! “I am passionate about women making informed decisions about their health and their life, along with that of their children’s. I do not judge! I fully support women in the choices they make – being a Mum, I know that “you do what you have to do”.
In the early days of motherhood – especially with your first baby – it can be so overwhelming and daunting to know whether you are doing all the right things. Who would have thought that raising the next generation of humans would be so complicated! If you are exclusively breastfeeding (that is only breastfeeding and nothing else), one of the most common questions we hear as midwives and lactation consultants is, ”How do I know if my baby is getting enough?” Well, here are the things to look for…
:: Your baby will have at least 5 wet disposable nappies or 6-8 wet cloth nappies in 24 hours.
:: Your baby’s urine is pale in colour and inoffensive in smell.
:: Your baby will have loose unformed poos (the colour will change depending on the age of your baby).
:: Your baby will have some periods of time where they are settled and content. Remember, no baby is settled and content 100% of the time. Crying is initially the main form of communication for everything, not just hunger.
:: Your baby will be alert, with bright eyes, good skin and muscle tone.
:: You will be demand feeding as opposed to scheduled feeds. That is, you feed when the baby is hungry without strictly watching the clock. Sometimes your baby will want to feed more regularly than others, for instance, during a growth spurt or in hot weather – try not to doubt yourself during these times.
:: Your baby has a consistent weight gain and growth in length and head circumference. And growing into bigger clothes!!
My best advice is to follow your baby’s lead and have trust in yourself and your body. It is quite remarkable what we are capable of. It is also extremely rare for a woman not to produce enough milk for their baby, but if you are worried I would recommend you speak to a midwife, lactation consultant, your GP or obstetrician.
Kassie xx
Kassie Whitworth is a born and bred Adelady, who is not afraid to give things a go in a pursuit to combine all the things she loves. She’s mum to a busy almost 3 year old boy, and a delightful (not yet quite so busy) 6 month old girl. Kassie is also a Midwife/Lactation Consultant and passionate about women’s health and well-being. She is a Yoga teacher, specialising in pregnancy and postnatal – soon to launch her own classes in the Glenelg area as Devika Yoga.
Reference :: Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2010, Breastfeeding Confidence Produced by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Victoria. Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2007. LACTFACTS: 1:10 Is Baby Getting Enough Milk Produced by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Victoria.
