Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny has put together a well rounded online parenting class for expecting parents. Carole Kramer-Arsenault is the course instructor; she has years of experience working with newborns as a lactation consultant, sleep coach, and of course an RN specializing in Obstetrics and Maternal Health. You can rest assured that the information we provide strictly adheres to the guidelines and recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
NEW Online Parenting Class
Our newest online parenting class was created for expecting parents looking for a run down on important newborn care. It goes into diapering (including umbilical cord care), bathing, feeding, infant sleep, development, and more! This class goes over the necessary information to get you through the 4th trimester. Here is a little sneak peek into the class about how to know if baby is getting enough to eat.
Sneak Peek: Is baby getting enough to eat?
Count Diapers
Day old newborns should produce one to two wet diapers in addition to one to two soiled diapers. When an infant is 5 days old you will start looking for a daily count of six to eight wet diapers and three to six soiled diapers. Keep track of diapers and feedings on an app, such as Baby Connect. This app is helpful to track weight, height, developmental milestones, and more!
Intake For Formula Fed Babies
Most newborns take between two to four ounces of formula every two to four hours. This amount may vary based on the baby’s weight and if he was born prematurely. The average time between feeds is 3 hours. The baby’s health care provider will discuss with the parents how much and how often to feed the baby. The daily consumption of formula for a newborn is approximately 2.5 to 3 ounces per pound of baby’s body weight over a 24-hour period.
How long should my baby breastfeed?
Mom should continue to nurse the baby until he comes off on his own. If we take the baby off the breast too early, he will likely fuss and bring fisted hands toward his mouth. If when given the chance to re-latch on the same breast, he continues feeding at the same rate, then he clearly was not finished and the breast has enough milk for him.
Keep in mind, a baby doesn’t always pull himself off the breast because he’s finished. For example, a baby might pull himself off in the middle of a feed because he may need to burp or reposition himself. When a baby comes off the breast, take about 30 seconds to see if he needs a burp. After 30 seconds or so, offer him the other breast. He may or may not re-latch. If he does latch, generally the second feeding session will be shorter than the first one. If he refuses the second breast, don’t force it. If baby seems happy and content after most feedings, then chances are he’s a satisfied customer. If he’s crying and fussing or sucking on his fingers frantically after a full feeding, he might still be hungry.
Signs of Hunger & Fullness
A baby who is still hungry will likely have fisted hands by the mouth or he’ll be rooting for a breast (or bottle). If he’s had enough, he’ll look relaxed with his hands by his side. Trust that your baby will continue feeding until he is no longer hungry. Every baby and every mom is different. That’s why it’s important to read baby’s cues.
Pregnancy and welcoming a baby into the world is such a joyous journey. Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny is here to help and support you the entire way! Start by checking out our online parenting class, Expecting Parents: Newborn 101.
