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By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Ameda Products
Co-author of Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Breastfeeding Answer Book |
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| Now breastfeeding should get faster and easier. Here are the basics from 6 weeks to 6 months. |
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| FUN FACTS |
- Your baby's stomach has grown larger and holds more milk, so he may feed less often.
- Lots of breastfeeding at first means your milk supply is set.
- Most mothers no longer feel full, even with lots of milk.
- Babies need about the same amount of milk per day at six weeks as six months.
- Now breastfeeding starts to take less time than bottle-feeding.
- When breastfeeding is going well, a baby does best on mother's milk alone until about six months.
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| WHAT TO EXPECT |
- Older babies tend to feed faster.
- The baby who used to feed 40 minutes may now be done in 10-15 minutes.
- Some babies this age have fewer stools but gain weight just fine.
- Older babies may pull off the breast when they hear or see things going on around them.
- Until 4 months, expect a weight gain of at least 6 ounces (170 g) a week or 1.5 lbs (680 g) a month. From 4-6 months, expect a weight gain of at least 4-5 ounces (113-142 g) a week or 1 lb. (452 g) a month.
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| THINGS TO LEARN |
- Trust your baby to know the right time to feed.
- Practice breastfeeding around other people at home and elsewhere until you feel at ease.
- During feedings, you can use your free arm to hug your other children or read a book.
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| SOME REASONS TO SEEK HELP |
- If breastfeeding hurts.
- If your baby gains weight too slowly.
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To find a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) near you, go to "Find a Lactation Consultant" on www.ilca.org. |
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| Even when breastfeeding is going well, you may experience some of the following: |
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- Your baby has fussy times.
- He wants to feed again soon after breastfeeding.
- He wants to feed more often.
- Your breasts no longer feel full.
- He wants to feed less often or for a shorter time.
- He wakes a lot at night.
- He will take a bottle after breastfeeding.
- You can't express much milk.
- Your breasts may or may not leak milk.
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| You know you have plenty of milk when your baby gains well on breastfeeding alone. |
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| FROM BIRTH - 4 MONTHS: |
- A good weight gain is 6 ounces (170 g) a week or 1.5 lbs. (680 g) a month.
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| FROM 4 - 6 MONTHS: |
- A good weight gain is 4-5 ounces (113-142 g) a week or 1 lb. (452 g) a month.
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| This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. |
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Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider. |
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