For new mothers, breastfeeding can be intimidating and scary. Something that is so natural can feel very unnatural at first, and it is my job to help with this transition.

There are so many benefits to breastfeed like lowering health risks later in life, protecting against sudden infant death syndrome, supporting baby’s brain development, reducing the risk of diarrhea, ear infections and asthma, in addition to the bonding and cuddle time the mom gets out of it.

As a certified lactation consultant at CHRISTUS Health Shreveport- Bossier, I have the privilege of educating parents through our Birth Baby and Beyond prenatal classes and witness mothers breastfeeding for the first time. So many moms worry about if their baby is getting enough milk.

I like to remind all of my new moms one of the most important things about newborns, tummy size.

Most people are shocked at how small a baby’s stomach is.

The first day a baby is born his or her stomach can only hold 6 mL, by Day 3 that grows to 26 mL, and by Day 10 it can hold 60 mL. I hope that these facts help ease new mom’s worries as they embark on this breastfeeding journey.

Here are some other guidelines moms can use to help make sure that their babies are getting enough milk and start enjoying this beautiful time.

• Wet and dirty diapers. If your baby is having between four and six wet diapers a day and two or more stools a day, you are doing good! Dirty diapers are a clear indicator that your baby is getting enough breast milk.

If it’s hard to keep up with how many diapers, one tip is to have a notepad in your diaper catty and make a tally for each diaper you change.

Many breastfeeding apps also include a diaper tally as well.

• Happy baby is a full baby. Another sign your baby is getting enough milk is if he or she is content after feeding. If your baby is acting fussy or restless after every feeding, contact your pediatrician. In the beginning, babies usually eat every two to three hours (this is from the start of one feed to the start of the next one). This adds up to about eight to 12 feedings a day.

• Gaining weight. One of the biggest indicators that your new bundle of joy is getting enough to eat is if they are gaining between four and seven ounces per week. Who doesn’t love those big chunky baby rolls?

• Meeting developmental milestones. Is your baby cooing, grabbing for things, tracking objects? Then all should be well on the feeding front. If your child was not getting enough nutrition, he or she would not be achieving these milestones. For more information on these milestones, contact your pediatrician.

• Trust your instinct. This is the biggest one of them all. You are the mother, and you know when something isn’t right with your baby. If you feel like you aren’t producing enough milk or that something is wrong, you are probably right.

Call a lactation consultant for help get back on track.

Mackey Roberson is a certified lactation consultant for CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier. She also teaches Birth, Baby and Beyond prenatal classes. For more information, call 1-844-CHRISTUS.