My baby is very small and my milk seems so thin. Is breastfeeding still the best way to feed my baby?

Breastfeeding is almost always the best way to feed your baby. Your baby's small size likely has more to do with your body type. If you and or your husband are slim, your children will generally by thin as well. Look at your baby's rate of growth, rather than size when determining if he is feeding well. Steady growth is a sign that feeding is going well.

The appearance of human milk varies from mother to mother and its components are more than what meets the eye. The fat in human milk is highest at the end of a feed, in the hind milk, and is drawn out by the baby's strong deep sucking. A pump, which you may be using to express your milk, does not draw out this fatty milk as well as your baby can, and so you may not see this creamy milk. Furthermore, your milk contains specific immunological factors that protect your baby from disease and cannot be replicated in any formula. The vitamins and minerals present in your milk are easily absorbed by your baby. For example, the high lactose and Vitamin C found in breastmilk help your baby absorb the iron. As a result, few breastfed babies are iron deficient.

So, you may still be wondering how to be sure that your baby is getting all that he needs. You know that your breastmilk is nourishing your newborn when:

• baby's stools have changed from black to yellow by day 4 or 5
• baby makes 3-4 clear wet diapers & 3-4 stools by day 4
• baby feeds 8-12 times in 24 hours
• your breasts feel softer after a feed
• baby is back to birth weight by two weeks
• baby is gaining 113 to 219 g/wk
• baby is content after feeding and rests for 1 - 2 hours

If you are concerned about any of the factors on the list above, it would be wise to see a breastfeeding counselor or lactation consultant. She can assess how your newborn is feeding and can help you develop a plan to insure that your baby is getting what he needs.