Many women who become mothers for the first time lack experience in breastfeeding and childcare. They often follow the routine of feeding approximately every two hours. However, each baby has different needs, and feeding should be flexible according to the baby’s actual needs to avoid affecting growth due to insufficient feeding. So, what are the signs of a newborn not getting enough milk?
First, the frequency of bowel movements may decrease. Some mothers may have insufficient breast milk production, which can lead to inadequate feeding in the early stages. Normally, a baby should have three or more bowel movements and urinate six or more times a day. When feeding is insufficient, metabolism slows down, and both bowel movements and urination decrease significantly.
Second, the baby’s activity level may decrease. Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, but when awake, they show curiosity and vigor. If the baby is not getting enough milk, they may appear quieter, cry less, and have longer daytime sleep, which signals the need for more nutrition.
Furthermore, the baby may frequently demand to be fed. Typically, a baby should feel full for more than two hours after feeding. But if the baby wants to eat again every half an hour to an hour, it may indicate they were not full previously or that breast milk supply is insufficient.
In the case of insufficient breast milk, there is no need to insist on exclusive breastfeeding; a mixed feeding method can be considered. If implementing mixed feeding is challenging, turning to formula feeding is also a viable option, as long as ensuring the baby receives sufficient nutrition.
In summary, when observing a decrease in bowel movements, reduced vigor, or frequent demands for food, it is likely that the baby is not getting adequate feeding. Therefore, feeding strategies should be adjusted flexibly based on the baby’s individual needs, rather than sticking to fixed feeding times and routines too early.
