I am breast feeding my son Nicholas and I am scared that he is not getting enough milk or we are not feeding correctly.  How do I know he is getting all the nutrients he needs? 

An additional question; he only feeds on one breast for about a good 10 minutes or less; how can I help him to drink more and sleep less when feeding?

Thank you so much for your help in this situation!

Jeanette

Check with your pediatrician for the exact number but I think depending on the age he should have 6-8 wet diapers a day in order to know he is getting enough fluid.

Sorry I cant help more or remember the exact number but that is the clue

Sorry if Im posting this twice, not sure if it worked the first time.

Look and see if he is taking a gulp after about 5 sucks, watch his throat. After he unlatches press on your nipple and see if there is milk, or pump. He is def getting all the nutrients he needs from your breastmilk, even if you arent eating right. As long as he is gaining weight, has wet diapers, and yellow seedy poop he is just fine. I know it is hard in the beginning, I remember worrying about it too. As far as falling asleep while nursing there isnt much you can do. Think of it this way, if he was hungry he would be crying and not sleeping right? His little belly is obviously full and content so he is happy and sleeping. Newborns just sleep A LOT. He will wake up and let ya know when hes hungry again. Hope this helps

I agree with Lisa for the most part, but there are some things you can do to get him to wake up if you feel like he needs to eat more.    You can try putting a damp cloth(warm, but not realy warm, you want it to wake him up, not keep him asleep) on his belly or his head.  You can also try lightly plucking the bottom of his feet.

Do keep track of his wet diapers though.  6-8 per day means he is getting enough.  Also, your pediatrician(who will see your son many times during the first several months) can tell you if he is doing well by how much weight he is gaining.  If the ped does not feel that he is getting enough, they will have you take weights at home to keep track more closely.

Also, I noticed you mentioned that he only feeds on one side for about 10 minutes.  One thing I would ask is if you are feeding frequently.  If so, and by this I mean feeling every 30 min or 45 min or so, then try pushing the feedings apart.  If you are feeding him often, he could be used to "snacking" rather than getting a good feed, or he could be using it for comfort.  In general, babies feed on each side for about 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.  This can vary by age as well as how fast the baby eats.  Some babies can drain one side in 10 minutes and move on to the other, while other babies are slower and it may take 30 minutes to feed on one side.  These babies generally speed up as they get older. 

I hope this information has helped.  The important thing is to enjoy this time with your baby and try not to worry to much.  Don't give up though and don't let anyone talk you into dropping breastfeeding and going to formula.  Unless there is some medical reason why your baby can no have your breastmilk or you can not produce it, then there is no reason for you to go to formula when you want to nurse.  You can also check out La Leche League.  They are a breastfeeding support group.

I agree with the previous postings and was going to say similar responses.  But in addition to the falling asleep while eating, my lactation consultant encouraged us to undress our baby to her diaper while she eats.  It really worked and helped her stay awake.

If I can remember correctly my daughter was the same way. I was a slave to the nursing pillow and my rocking chair. It takes a lot of patience and energy.

If you are getting 8-10 wet diapers a day, you have nothing to worry about. YOu also have to remember that their stomachs are tiny like their fists... I am guessing your baby is a newborn. Try the undressing part and playing with his feet, but if he falls asleep just let him rest. I know it can be exhausting, most likely you have to do it in an hour or so because 'sleepy head' is hungry again! The doctor is going to tell you to stretch the time between burses, but if you feel like he is not getting enough and he wants to nurse again... by all means go for it. I think nursing babies fall into a schedule all by themselves. He is going to grow so quick that you are going to miss the times when you nursed him a million times a day.

Linda
http://tgfmom.blogspot.com