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Breastfeeding
problems, such as milk production difficulties, are not as common when
using
the PDF feeding method, but they do occur. Even
if you are well rested, eating healthy, have a pretty routine life,
and your baby is growing and getting enough food, you still may
experience a
milk production issue. Many things can
cause production problems. Here are just
a few.
Some
things that can affect your milk supply are:
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What mom eats
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How much mom rests and sleeps
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Her state of mind
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The age of the mom
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How many children you have
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Your desire to breastfeed
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Your nursing capabilities
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Your nursing techniques
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Baby’s latch on abilities
If
you
choose to breastfeed, it is very important that you take your baby for
their
check-ups as needed. If you don’t, how
will you know if he is getting enough milk and growing at the correct
rate? There is no way for you to tell
that your child is getting enough nutrition for sure without your child
being
weighed.
During
the first week of your baby’s life, your breasts will produce colostrum
for
them to drink. Colostrum is rich in
antibodies and aids the baby’s immune system. It
also helps him pass his first bowel movement, which is called
meconium. Meconium is black and tarry
looking and is in the first few diapers after birth.
Then he begins to transition to a brown
substance and after your milk comes in, it becomes a yellow, mustardy
stool
that is loose and watery. Bottle-fed
baby’s pass firmer, tannish stools than breastfed baby’s.
After
24-48 hours after birth, your baby will start having wet diapers that
will
increase to two or three a day.
While
your baby drinks colostrum and then milk, you should listen for a
pattern of
“suck, suck, suck, swallow.” This
pattern will be rhythmic and there should be no “clicking” noises. The “clicking” sound can indicate that your
baby is not properly latched on and may not be getting enough milk from
you. If you start to hear this, you need
to unlatch him and then reattach him. If
you continue to hear this sound after reattaching him several times,
then you
may want to consult a lactation consultant or your pediatrician.
After
the first week of life, you should see 6-8 wet diapers each day and at
least 3
bowel movements a day. His urine should
be clear and he should become more alert with each passing day. Your baby should also be gaining weight and
growing, as this is the surest way to tell that they are getting enough
nutrition. If you have two days in a row
that deviates from the above indicators, then you should call your
pediatrician
immediately.
Note:
While every
care is taken to provide medically accurate and up to date information
in this web site, it is to be noted that this advice is not intended to
replace the advice of your physician. Before undertaking the advice
contained in this web site, you should consult a medical professional.
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