There’s no such thing as a norm in the breastfeeding world, according to research presented at a Medela lactation conference in Spain recently. After sifting through data from mums, who carefully weighed their babies before and after feeds for 24 hours, Australian researcher Jacqueline Kent made these discoveries.
Some littlies take in barely two cups of milk (478ml), while others guzzle up to 1356ml in a 24-hour period.
On average, a baby consumes from a single breast 75ml breastmilk, ranging from 30ml to 135ml.
Breastfed babies take fewer, faster, larger feeds as they develop and grow to six months, but their total daily milk intake is fairly constant.
The average amount of breastmilk that boys consume per day is 831ml, while for girls it’s 755ml, during four to 13 breastfeeding sessions a day.
Babies spend between 12 to 67 minutes on a feed, and drink between 54ml to a thirst-quenching 234ml at one breastfeeding session.
As for one breast or two, 30% of babies feed from just one breast, 13% always take both and 57% mix it up!
Common breast-feeding questions
Breastfeeding counsellor Rosie Dodds answers the most frequently asked questions on feeding your bub.
Q. Why isn’t my baby getting enough milk?
A. The two main signs that your baby isn’t getting enough milk are him not putting on weight or becoming dehydrated. If he’s dehydrated, the fontanelle (the soft patch on top of his head) will be sunken, his nappies will be dry and if you gently pinch his skin it won’t bounce back immediately.
Most women who feed on demand produce the right amount of milk for their babies. It’s more likely to be how you’re feeding, rather than how often. Check your positioning and try feeding him little and often. The more milk he takes, the more you’ll produce.
Q. Why are my nipples so sore?
A. Probably because the baby isn’t latching on correctly. Position your baby so the nipple is drawn into the back of the mouth – his jaws should be squeezing the milk from the breast, not just sucking from the nipple. To avoid soreness when taking him off the breast, wait until he pauses for breath or break the suction by putting a finger in the corner of his mouth. At the end of a feed, spread a drop of breast milk over your nipples and areola (the pigmented area around your nipple) and let them air-dry to toughen the skin. To ease the pain, keep a savoy cabbage in the fridge; its leaves are soothing on sore nipples.
Q. How can I cure mastitis?
A. Mastitis occurs when the milk ducts in the breast become blocked; you may develop a painful lump, become feverish and have flu-like symptoms. Try to clear the blockage by continuing to feed your newborn and massaging the area during feeds. Use a breast pump to express milk from that breast and do backward arm swinging exercises. To numb the pain, take ibuprofen or an anti-inflammatory drug. If you’re feeling no better after 24 hours, you may need antibiotics from your GP.
Q. How can I get over my embarrassment about feeding in public?
A. If you’re tense or embarrassed, your milk will not let down easily. Make sure you’re somewhere comfortable when you feed in public the first couple of times, such as at a clinic get-together. Everyone there is in the same boat and you can compare techniques.
Q. How can I stop my breasts leaking?
A. It’s normal for breasts to leak milk between feeds. You can buy breast pads to absorb any leaks; these are placed inside a good-fitting maternity bra. Take a spare top and bra with you when you’re going out in case of an emergency, and remember to change the breast pads often.
Q. Why am I so exhausted all the time?
A. Breastfeeding can make you tired and dehydrated, which can dry up your milk supply. Find time to relax by watching your favourite film or inviting some breastfeeding friends round for a chat. Ask your partner or relatives to do chores and make sure you drink lots of fluids. And when your baby takes a nap, join him.
Did you know?
Because breastfeeding is free, it can save you around $1000 a year.
Breastfeeding means you can eat more than you did before pregnancy and still lose weight if you keep active.
Oxytocin, the hormone released during breastfeeding, is also released during an orgasm and induces a feeling of wellbeing.
Women who return to work and express breastmilk for their babies take less time off work to care for them than women who don’t breastfeed.
Breastmilk contains antibodies tailored to fight germs with which babies come into daily contact.
Young adults who were breastfed score higher on intelligence tests than those who were fed formula.
Women who have flat, inverted or pierced nipples or have had breast-reduction surgery can breastfeed, as long as their milk ducts haven’t been cut.
Breastfed babies’ nappies are less smelly than those of formula-fed ones.
World Breastfeeding Week is on from August 1-7. Find out more HERE.
