#asktheexpert my baby tries to latch but everytime she falls asleep and sometimes after latching for 1 hour or half and hour she starts crying I can't understand if she is getting enough milk or not as I have low milk production and give her formula milk

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Accepted Answer

If your baby is attempting to latch but often falls asleep during feeding or cries after latching for a while, it can be concerning for parents. Here are some considerations to help you determine if your baby is getting enough milk and how to manage this situation:

Understanding Feeding Patterns

1. Normal Behavior: Many babies fall asleep while breastfeeding, especially in the early months, as breastfeeding can be soothing and comforting. However, it's essential to ensure they are effectively transferring milk.

2. Crying After Feeding: If she cries after feeding, it could be due to several factors, including hunger, discomfort, gas, or fatigue.

Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Wet Diapers: A well-fed baby typically has at least 6-8 wet diapers per day after the first few days of life.

Weight Gain: Regular weight checks can indicate if your baby is gaining weight appropriately. Most babies regain their birth weight within 1-2 weeks and should continue to gain about 150-200 grams per week.

Active Feeding: During feeding, you should see rhythmic sucking and swallowing. If she’s latched well, you may hear her swallowing milk.

Tips to Encourage Effective Feeding

1. Breast Compression: If your baby seems to be dozing off, gently compress your breast to encourage her to keep sucking. This can help her get more milk and stay awake.

2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Try skin-to-skin contact before feeding to stimulate your baby's feeding reflexes and make her more alert.

3. Feed When Alert: Look for early signs of hunger (rooting, smacking lips) and try to feed her before she becomes too sleepy.

4. Switch Sides: If she starts to doze off, try switching to the other breast. The change can stimulate her to stay awake and continue feeding.

5. Burping: After feeding, burp her gently. Sometimes, gas can make babies uncomfortable, leading to crying.

6. Feeding Environment: Make sure the feeding environment is conducive to staying awake. Dim lighting and quiet surroundings can help, but you may want to try a more stimulating environment to keep her alert during feeds.

When to Seek Help

If you’re still unsure whether your baby is getting enough milk, or if she continues to cry frequently after feeds, consult with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized support, assess her feeding technique, and offer additional strategies to improve breastfeeding. They can also help rule out any underlying issues that might be affecting her feeding behavior.