How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

New babies usually take between one-half to three ounces per feeding during the first week. Although it is difficult to measure the exact amount of milk, there are ways to reassure yourself and others that your baby is getting enough.

The number of wet diapers

After the first week your baby should have at least six wet diapers a day. If it is difficult for you to tell whether the diaper is wet, you can put a sheet of facial tissue in the diaper until you have been reassured about your baby's urine output. You can easily tell if the tissue is wet.

The number of soiled diapers

Newborns usually have two stools a day (three or more if breastfed). Stools of a breastfed baby can look like yellow staining or a mixture of mustard and cottage cheese. A good sign is changing from black tarry meconium stools to seedy yellow stools by the fifth day.

Weight gain

Your baby should not lose more than 7 percent of his weight in the first week. He should regain weight to be back at his birth weight in less than two weeks. After that, most babies gain from four to eight ounces a week.

How your baby feeds

Your baby should wake himself every two to three hours and actively nurse. The time periods may be one to three hours during the day and three to four hours at night. Some babies cluster feed just before or after a longer stretch between feedings. Watch for active sucking and swallowing.

How your baby acts

After feeding, your baby does not show the signs of hunger and seems satisfied.