To know if the baby is breastfeeding enough, the mother or caregiver should observe some signs mentioned below, and when necessary, should contact the baby's pediatrician:
- If the baby wets at least 6 diapers in a 24-hour period (diaper test); If the urine is not too yellow and has a strong odor; If the stool is too hard and dry; If the baby does not seem satisfied after the breastfeeding and continues to cry; if the baby wants to breastfeed very often and spends a lot of time on each breast; if the baby refuses to breastfeed.
The diaper test should not be done if the baby is receiving fluids or food other than breast milk and in cases of dehydration due to diarrhea.
A healthy child is smart and active and has good body growth. If the baby is not developing enough, according to the expected development pattern, this is another indication that he is not breastfeeding enough and that, in these cases, it may be necessary to give a food supplement after breastfeeding that should be prescribed by the doctor.
