How do you know if your baby is getting enough food?
Signs that your baby is full and satisfied:
- Independent termination: The baby releases the breast or bottle on their own initiative
- Relaxed body language: After feeding, the baby seems content and relaxed, with relaxed hands and arms
- Regular wet diapers: A breastfed baby should have 5-6 properly wet diapers per day. For bottle-fed babies, this also applies to about 6 wet diapers per day.
- Stable weight development: The baby follows his expected growth curve at check-ups at BVC
- Sleep patterns: A fed baby often sleeps better and for longer periods between meals.
- Alertness during waking hours: When the baby is awake, he shows interest in his surroundings and is alert.
- Skin tone and firmness: A well-nourished baby has a healthy skin tone and feels "firm" when you hold it.
Signs that the baby is not getting enough
The baby is not gaining weight as expected
One of the clearest signs that your baby is not getting enough nutrition is if the weight curve flattens out or drops. BVC closely monitors your baby's growth, but if you notice that the clothes do not fit properly or that the baby feels lighter, you should contact the healthcare provider. But most often it is at BVC that you notice that the weight is not as it should be.
The baby always seems hungry
If your baby shows hunger cues shortly after a feeding, it may be a sign that he or she is not full. There are hunger cues to watch for, both after and before feeding:
- Searching for the breast or bottle
- Sucks on hands
- Smacks with the lips
Remember that frequent feedings are perfectly normal during periods of growth, but constant hunger can be a sign of inadequate nutritional intake. For breastfed babies, the breast is also a source of comfort and closeness, and the baby may want it for reasons other than hunger. Babies have a need to suck, which can be more or less strong in different babies.
Short and inefficient feeds
Effective feedings are important for your baby to get enough nutrition. If your baby only nurses for a few minutes and then falls asleep at the breast, this may indicate ineffective breastfeeding. When bottle-feeding, you should pay attention to whether your baby seems to have difficulty sucking or takes frequent breaks.
Baby is fussy and unhappy after feeding
A full baby is usually happy and relaxed after a feeding. If your baby continues to be fussy, fussy or crying after eating, it may be a sign that they are still hungry.
Few or dry diapers – a sign that the baby is not getting enough fluids
The number of wet diapers is a good indicator of whether your baby is getting enough fluids. A baby, whether breastfed or bottle-fed, should have at least 5-6 wet diapers per day after the first few days. Fewer diapers or very concentrated urine may indicate insufficient fluid intake.
Weak sucking ability or fatigue when feeding
If your baby has difficulty sucking effectively or gets tired quickly when feeding, it may mean that he is not getting enough nutrition. Weak sucking can be due to several different reasons, such as a short tongue tie, illness or the baby being premature. Contact BVC if you suspect that something is wrong with sucking.
The baby sleeps poorly and wakes up often from hunger
It's normal for newborns to wake up frequently to eat, but the frequency should decrease somewhat over time. If your baby consistently wakes up more than every two hours at night and seems hungry, it may indicate inadequate nutritional intake during the day.
The baby has a weak or high-pitched cry
A baby who is not getting enough nutrition may have less energy, and as a result, have a weaker cry. Alternatively, a constant high-pitched, frustrated cry can be a sign of hunger and dissatisfaction.
Mother's body signals – signs of low milk production
For breastfeeding mothers, certain body signals may indicate low milk production:
- Breasts never feel full or tight
- No feeling of milk let-down during breastfeeding
- Breasts don't feel lighter after breastfeeding
It is important to remember that these signals can vary and that many women produce enough milk without necessarily feeling any of this.
What can you do if you suspect your baby is not getting enough?
Are you worried that your baby is not getting enough food? You can start by:
- Contact the BVC or the breastfeeding clinic for help and guidance.
- Increase feeding frequency or amount of replacement when bottle feeding
- Make sure your baby has a good grip on the breast when breastfeeding, and on the bottle when bottle-feeding.
- If you are bottle feeding, try to see if a different bottle/teat can help your baby get the milk more easily.
- If you are breastfeeding, use your own hands on your breast to stimulate milk flow.
- Consider pumping between feedings to increase milk production
- Make sure you eat nutritiously and drink enough water.
Are you experiencing problems with breastfeeding?
There are a variety of reasons why breastfeeding may not be working.
- The baby has a too small latch which can lead to pain for the mother and ineffective breastfeeding
- In the beginning, it is common for the nipples to be sore and sensitive.
- Insufficient sucking power in the child due to incorrect latch or the expulsion reflex not being triggered
- Irregular sucking pattern: The baby may suck frantically or repeatedly grab and release
- Sore nipples are a common complication that can lead to pain and the decision to stop breastfeeding.
- Perceived insufficient milk production is one of the most common reasons for stopping breastfeeding and switching to formula instead.
- Milk stasis
- Difficulty interpreting the child's signals
- Lack of knowledge and preparation
- Stress and anxiety
You as the parent are the ones who decide whether or not to breastfeed, no one else. You are competent to make decisions about how your baby should be fed and you should have access to information that will help you care for your little one. Another tip is to involve your partner in feeding and make sure that you both have the knowledge and can commit together, whether it is about breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Stimulate milk flow by hand
If you want to breastfeed, there are many ways you can prepare, and many steps you can take during your trip to maintain breastfeeding and make it as positive an experience as possible. To get started with breastfeeding and/or if you want to increase your milk supply, it is usually recommended to stimulate your milk flow by hand. Here is a guide on how to do it:
Start by washing your hands with warm water and soap. This keeps things hygienic and helps warm your hands up at the same time. Have a clean container or spoon ready, as well as a towel within reach.
Find a comfortable sitting position where you can relax. To stimulate the let-down reflex, gently stroke your breast towards the nipple a few times. You can also touch the nipple lightly, this will help the milk to flow more easily.
Remember to breathe calmly and relaxed throughout the process. Then, form your hand into a C shape around your chest, with your thumb on one side and the rest of your fingers on the other. Move your fingers back toward your chest, then squeeze your fingers together and move them forward toward your nipple. Release the pressure and repeat the movement.
To access the milk in all the milk ducts, move your hand around the breast and repeat the process in different places.
Be careful and don't use too much force - expressing shouldn't hurt.
This is how the baby's grip on the breast should be
- The baby's mouth should be wide open when they latch on to the breast.
- The baby's chin should be pressed deeply against the chest.
- The nipple and a large part of the areola should be in the baby's mouth
- The nipple should be placed high up on the baby's palate.
- The baby's nose should be free, not pressed against the breast.
- The baby's lower lip and jaw should cover the lower part of the areola
- The baby's head should be tilted slightly back, but not turned in any direction.
- When the baby sucks, you should be able to see the jaw move and hear the baby swallow.
A correct latch is important for breastfeeding to work well and to avoid pain and sores for the mother. If the latch does not feel right, you can gently stop and let the baby try again. If you feel unsure about your baby's grip on the breast, or if there is something else about feeding that feels wrong - seek help from, for example, a lactation clinic or via your BVC. You have the right to good support and guidance to find interaction with your baby and make breastfeeding work in the best way.
Contribution from Unna
If you feel that your child is not satisfied with breastfeeding alone, formula can be a good complement. If your child is over 6 months old, Unna's complementary food is suitable. It is specially developed for children from 6 months of age and up, when the child begins to eat more and more solid food.
Unna's complementary food is organic and Swedish-produced and contains:
- Customized levels of protein, fat and carbohydrates
- Extra iron to meet the increased needs of growing children
- Important vitamins and minerals
Unlike infant formula, complementary foods are not intended to be the baby's sole source of nutrition, but rather serve as a complement to other foods.
Our range also includes infant formula for children under 6 months who are not breastfed or need to be supplemented.
