One of the things that every mom is going to use, is diapers. How many diapers does a baby use in a day? An awful lot of diapers, so being able to know and budget for them up front is a massive help, especially considering that you could be using several a day for months at a time.

Thankfully, over time the need for diapers slows down, and as you and baby get used to your routines, you’ll get used to regular changing times and each other’s rhythms, so the whole thing becomes a lot simpler as the months roll on.

How many diapers does a baby use in a day?

When it comes to how many diapers your baby is going to use, there are a few things to think about.

First, realize that babies use a lot of diapers when they’re newborns, (as many as 8 to 10 per day!) so stock up and get used to changing often.

But over time this number will start to go down, as baby gets more control over their body and their bladder.

Using a lot of diapers is actually a good thing. You can use your baby’s diapers as a general gauge for if they’re feeding properly.

If your baby is under the expected number of diapers, they could have an issue with dehydration or getting enough to eat. Fewer wet diapers could be a sign of dehydration, and fewer poops mean that they could have issues with feeding, digestive issues or constipation.

So how many diapers will your baby actually go through? The answer depends entirely on their age.

A one-month-old baby can go through around 10 diapers a day. You can expect around 6 wet diapers, and for your baby to fill their diaper every time they feed.

From one to five months, your baby will start to slow down on how many diapers they’re using, because their body grows and gets a little more control over itself. Still, you can expect your baby to use anywhere from 8 diapers, to still around 10, especially in those early months.

Over five months, you can expect soiled diapers a little less often, especially once you move onto a diet that includes more than just breast milk or formula. Still, you can expect to see up to 8 diapers a day, especially in the early months.

If you’re breastfeeding, expect your baby to use more diapers than if you’re using formula. Because formula and breast milk are digested a little differently, babies who are breastfed tend to have more soiled diapers and diaper changes in general.

How do I know when to change my baby’s diaper?

The rule of thumb is, whenever the baby has a wet diaper, it’s time for a change. Don’t ever leave your child in wet diapers, as the bacteria in their waste can cause skin problems and infections.

Expect to see the need for a new diaper every one or two hours, and generally every time they eat, because that stimulates your baby’s bowels.

It’s recommended to change baby’s diaper before every feeding, then just after as well, that way they’re fresh and ready no matter what happens during the feeding, and comfortable during the whole process.

When it comes to sleep, you don’t have to worry so much about changing in the middle of the night. Just make sure they lie down in a fresh and clean diaper and change them when they wake up.

Signs that your baby might need a diaper change include:

• Baby crying or looking uncomfortable
• Smells or wetness from the diaper
• Wobbling or jelly-like movements from the diaper if you give it a shake
• Failing that, you can always take a quick glance inside

What size diapers should I buy?

In our opinion, it’s best not to focus on newborn diapers, and start with size 1 instead.

Newborn diapers typically fit babies up to around 10lbs in weight. Considering the weight of your average newborn is 7.5 – 9 lbs, and babies typically gain around 3lbs of weight in their first month, they’ll quickly outgrow newborn sizes.

Your hospital will also typically give you a few newborn nappies to get you through the first couple of days, so enough packs to give you around 120 diapers might see you through. They’re something you can always pick up, and your baby will very quickly be progressing up through the sizes, so don’t go mad on overstocking.

For size comparisons, here are Pamper’s sizing guides on their Swaddlers range.

• Preemie: <6lbs
• Newborns: <10lbs
• Size 1: 8 to 14lbs
• Size 2: 12 – 18lbs
• Size 3: 16 – 28lbs
• Size 4: 22 – 37lbs

Your baby should stay in sizes one and two the longest, so if you’re considering stocking up, these are the sizes we’d recommend.

Most babies will be around 12 -13lbs in weight by month three, especially boys, who shade a pound or two heavier on average than girls.

As we said earlier, by this time their body will be growing and accommodating their needs a little bit more, and so will their bladder, which means that diaper usage should slow down a little.

Should I use cloth diapers?

Used for thousands of years before modern diapers were invented, cloth diapers are still an option for moms now, especially if you’re more nature conscious.

Kept clean and sterilized, cloth diapers are as hygienic as disposable diapers, but obviously require a lot more work to keep on top of, and also require a significant upfront cost.

When choosing cloth diapers, look for the more modern style with two layers. A natural outer layer that’s water resistant, and so provides a barrier and an interior layer that’s super absorbent.

When considering how many cloth diapers you might need, think about how many changes you’re going to use throughout the day, then multiply that by at least two, and a few more.

As an example, newborns go through around 10 diaper changes a day, so you’re going to want today’s diapers ready to go whilst yesterday’s are being cleaned, and maybe a few more for emergencies, which is at least 24.

No matter how old baby is, or whether you’re using disposable or reusable diapers, it’s always good to have more than you need.

How many diapers does a baby use in a day? An awful lot. But you’ll soon fall into the pattern, and then it will be much easier to judge what you need. So don’t worry. You’re going to be fine. Humans have been wearing diapers since we lived in caves, after all.

Have you got any amusing diaper stories or hints or tips for a mom worried about changing times and how many diapers they’re going to go through? Be sure to drop us a comment. When you’re a first-time mom, it all helps!

There’s so much you need when you’re expecting, and new mothers will often find themselves overwhelmed with just how much stuff they seem to end up with from well-meaning family and friends.

The truth is though, you’ll find yourself coming back to the same few things over and over and over, and one of the tools that every mom needs is a receiving blanket.

What is a Receiving Blanket?

A receiving blanket is a blanket you’ll expect to be using so much of in the first few weeks of your baby’s life.

Named because they’re the first blanket that baby will be wrapped in, so mom receives baby whilst they’re wrapped in it, and they’re just a one-stop awesome little helper who’s going to be on hand all the time, whether you’re feeding, changing or just snuggling at the end of the day.

Trust us, you’ll want a good few of these hanging around because you’re gonna use them for everything.

What can a receiving blanket be used for?

After a few weeks, you’ll soon grow to love your receiving blanket as much as the baby does. It’s such a versatile tool that you can use for almost everything, including:

Keeping Baby Comfortable

The main use of a receiving blanket is to keep baby warm and comfy, especially considering that they’re designed specifically for baby’s needs. That’s why they’re made of light and lightweight fabric that’s soft on the skin, not too hot but easily layered, keeping them warm when it’s cold but not overheating when it’s warm, and not restricting those little movements, either.

Giving Baby Somewhere to Lie

Because you can bring the blanket with you absolutely everywhere, it’s a versatile tool when you need somewhere for baby to rest on, lie on for a quick and safe nap, or even to give them somewhere to play and see the world from.

A Changing Mat

If you’re caught out and need an impromptu changing mat, then your receiving blanket can perform admirable double duty. Thick enough to be cushioned no matter where you’re lying it down, it means you don’t have to worry about taking that changing mat absolutely everywhere you go.

A Burp or Cleaning Cloth

I’m sure you’ve already got a burp cloth, but again, sometimes we don’t have everything we need when we need it, and if baby gets a little grumpy and needs a feed when you’re out and about, tossing your receiving blanket over your shoulder can do just the job.

Basically, because they’re designed to be clean, versatile and easy to wash, you can use your receiving blanket for almost anything. Just remember to give it a good wash once you’re done, and maybe switch to a spare every now and then.

Why are They Called Receiving Blankets?

The name is simple, and it comes from the practice of wrapping a baby in a blanket like this when they are first born before they’re handed to mom for the first time. So this would be the blanket that mom would ‘receive’ her baby in for the first time.

Is a Swaddle Blanket a Receiving Blanket?

No. They’re two very different things. Whilst you can use a receiving blanket to swaddle a baby, which means to wrap them up securely and tightly, so they feel safe and comfortable, a swaddling blanket is designed specifically for this purpose.

The difference is obvious if you look at both swaddling and receiving blankets, side by side. Receiving blankets are normally square or rectangular, whilst swaddling blankets are normally triangular, with two large ‘wings’ that can be wrapped around and tucked into themselves.

My Baby is Outgrowing Their Receiving Blankets, What Now?

It’s a sad truth that babies grow fast, and you’re soon going to find that your versatile blanket is used less and less.

But this is great because there’s so much you can do with them.

First off, most moms will keep their babies first blanket, because the memories you’re going to have of all the times it’s used and all the things you’ve done are going to be saccharine sweet.

But let’s say you’ve got multiple blankets, and you’re not going to keep them all. What then? Well, ignoring the obvious answer of handing them down or giving them to charity, you could always turn it into a project. For example, we know a few moms who’ve turned their pile of blankies into patchwork quilts, or a set of scatter cushions that decorate rooms.

You’re gonna be using your receiving blankets for everything in the first few weeks, but the baby will quickly outgrow them, and that brings a whole host of new questions.

In the meantime, now you know the answer to the question ‘what is a receiving blanket,’ so you can tell all your friends and family how amazingly useful they would be, especially if they’re looking to pick up something for the birth.

What did you do with your baby’s old receiving blankets, and do you have any funny stories involving them? We’d love to hear about them, so make sure you let us know in the comments below.

You might think that your baby’s red rash down in that intimate area is a simple diaper rash that can be treated with a baby rash ointment.

But you might be surprised to find out that there are multiple types of diaper rash, and they can come from some surprising sources.

On top of this, each type of rash can need specific steps to solve, so making sure you’ve worked out which type of rash it is, is really important.

Luckily, we’re here to explain everything, so read on to find out what you need to know about diaper rashes, how to treat them, and the best way to prevent them.

The Different Types of Diaper Rash

Whilst most diaper rashes look the same at first glance, there are a few things that set them apart in appearance, and each different type of rash requires entirely different treatments.

A Contact Rash

Appearance: A little bit of redness, some irritation, occasionally with raised skin. Normally concentrated around the edges of the diaper, areas that the diaper puts pressure or ‘bunches’ on.

Cause: Being in wet diapers for too long

Treatment: Standard rash procedure. Diaper rash ointment, changing diapers more often and being careful around that area for a little while. If you’re comfortable and they’re comfortable, let them run free and naked for a while. Letting it breathe, without the pressure and chemicals of a diaper and any added irritation from any pee and poop can be the perfect thing for quick healing.

A contact rash, or irritant dermatitis, is the ‘normal’ sort of diaper rash, and the one that you’re most likely to see on a daily basis. If your baby has diaper rash, then it’s most likely to be this one.

Yeast Rash

Appearance: Raised skin, little red prickles or bumps, usually in or around creases and folds in the skin, so legs, bum or genitals.

Cause: The yeast bacteria candida that tends to cause all of these issues, in babies and in adults too. It lives on all of us, quite naturally, but thrives in warm and moist areas, like the inside of a diaper, and causes problems when it gets out of control.

Treatment: Over the counter topical creams like clotrimazole cream, or nystatin prescription cream from your doctor. Also, be sure to treat any cloth that has been in contact with affected areas. That means blankets, cloth diapers, and clothing.

Yeast rashes are also really common, and a sure sign that you might be dealing with a yeast rash is the rash not getting any better, or maybe even getting worse after a few days treatment.

Acid Rash

Appearance: Bright red, stinging and painful, potentially even developing into skin issues and sores. It can almost resemble sunburn.

Cause: Multiple acidic poops, due to diet (lots of fruits and veggies) or stomach issues.

Treatment: Polysporin and diaper rash ointment, as strong as you can get it. Switch from cloth diapers to disposable for the period of the rash.

If your baby has a lot of sour smelling, odd-looking poops in one day and they start to develop a rash around that area, pay close attention. Remember that baby’s skin is super sensitive, especially to things like this, and it’s really easy to stop this from becoming a problem if you catch it early.

Allergy Rashes

Appearance: Any and all of the above.

Cause: Potentially anything from food to soaps and shampoos, to clothing materials. Careful sleuthing is needed.

Treatment: Remove the thing that’s causing the allergy, after finding out what it is. It’s worth trying out different things now and then for baby, like shifting their diet slightly or changing detergents to something more gentle.

Allergy rashes are hard to diagnose and even harder to pin down. Because the baby is so sensitive, and their body is changing so fast, there’s no way of knowing just what they’re allergic to.

Pay careful attention to where the rash is placed. If it’s around the bum or genital area, then it’s more likely to be food, whereas if it’s relatively evenly placed or in areas that have a lot of contact with cloth or nappies then it could be materials or detergents used in washing.

I Don’t Think it’s a Rash. What Else Might it be?

If the baby has inflamed or angry looking areas, it might not be a diaper rash at all. There are several other things that can occur in the same area that can look and feel like a rash, including:

Eczema

If your baby’s skin is scaly or rough, with red patches, blisters or discharge, and if they’re itching at it often, it might be eczema.

Whilst it can be managed with over the counter medication, it’s normally best to speak to your doctor because you want to get it under control early.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is identified usually through itchy patches of skin across wider areas of the body, that might also be silvery or scaly. Talk to your doctor to be referred to a specific dermatologist. Psoriasis requires specialist treatment, but can easily be managed when treated early.

Impetigo

Highly contagious and relatively common, impetigo is caused by the same bacteria that causes staph infections and strep throat. A dose of antibiotics should deal with it, but keep baby away from others their age in the meantime.

It’s common that you and your baby will face diaper rash once or twice in the months and years coming up ahead.

It’s a common issue and one that’s normally not much of an issue, as long as you take it slow and pay close attention. But once you’ve worked out which one of the several types of diaper rash your baby has, treating it and getting rid of it fast is simple.

So keep this guide on hand, and if you need any more advice, or you’ve got info to share for all the other moms out there, make sure to drop a comment below.

You’ve come back from the hospital and you’re feeling more comfortable now that you’re back in your nice, familiar home. You have your baby in your arms, you’re surrounded by friends and family, and everything is fantastic.

The only issue, you feel like you’re having trouble breastfeeding. Whether it’s your first child and you’re worried that you’re not expressing enough milk, or this is your second, third or more and you’re not feeling the same this time and you’re a little concerned, you need to know how to increase milk supply fast.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help. Once you’ve read this five-minute guide, you’ll know everything you need to about increasing your milk supply and making sure that you and your baby are getting what you need.

How to Increase Milk Supply Fast: What you Need to Know:

First concern. Do I have a low milk supply? How to know.

There are a lot of myths surrounding breastfeeding, and a lot of misinformation. Furthermore, if you’ve breastfed before, it’s such a unique and lovely feeling that your memories of that time are super clear.

So maybe you don’t feel full or heavy, maybe the letdown feels different this time, or maybe the whole thing is just not meeting your expectations, and you’re worried that you’re not producing enough milk without actually knowing if you are or not.

That’s entirely natural. You only want what’s best for your child, and you’re worried about doing the best you can. That’s awesome.

But how much milk you’re producing has nothing to do with how you feel. Your body is a wonderful thing, and it knows exactly what to do, almost all of the time.

There’s an ironclad rule: the only time you’re not producing enough milk is this- Your baby is not gaining enough weight.

So as long as the baby seems content after feedings and their weight is on track, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

Second concern. Are you looking after yourself?

For new moms, the baby is always the first concern. That’s natural, and the way it should be. But you’ve got to look after yourself as well. After all, if you’re not as healthy and strong as you can be, how can you keep looking after your little bundle?

Make sure you’re getting enough rest

We know. We can hear the laughter from here. ‘Rest’, you say. ‘I haven’t slept properly since I got back from the hospital!’

We’re not saying you’re expected to lie in every morning, but if the opportunity comes for you both to take a little nap, take it, and don’t turn down help from your partner, family or friends when it comes either.

A huge part of milk production is making sure that you’re resting enough. Your body steps up milk production when you’re resting, so taking a break and relaxing could be just the thing you need.

You don’t have to get forty winks either. Just resting and relaxing can be a huge help when it comes to increasing your milk supply. If you feel you need it and you’ve got the option to, a day to just relax and de-stress could be just the thing you both need.

You should pay particular attention to resting and relaxing in the first six weeks after getting back from the hospital. The first six weeks are crucial to how your body is going to recover in the following months, and if you overwork yourself early, you could have more trouble later on.

Concern three. Trying to hold on to what you have

This might seem a little backward, but one of the best things you can do if you’re wondering how to increase milk supply fast is to make sure that you’re constantly using up your milk supply, even if the baby doesn’t want it.

Counter-intuitive, we know. But think of it this way. Your body adapted over thousands of years to know what your baby needs. If you’re constantly expressing milk, whether through feeding times or a breast pump, then your body is going to think that you’ve got one (or two) very hungry babies and step up the production to match their demand!

Another thing you can do is take one or several days out for a nursing vacation.

What this means is you take some time to simply rest, and snuggle with baby and nurse. It gives you both a time to bond a little more, get to know each other’s cues and for you to learn and focus on baby whilst they feed, learning feeding patterns and just how much they need, and it will really help your body with milk production by making sure that you’re constantly empty.

Concern four. What’s on that plate?

You’ve probably already been told by so many people about their home remedies for milk production, and what you should, or could be eating.

First off, it’s important to be eating as healthily as you can and to be drinking enough fluids. The basics are important for a reason, and they’re going to make a huge difference in milk production, just by making sure that your body has enough fuel to run itself properly.

So make sure that you’re eating as well as you can, and drinking little and often. You might even want to pick up a water bottle to keep with you, so you know you’re getting enough.

But there’s a lot of myths out there about what foods are good for milk production and what isn’t. Some of it’s true, and some really aren’t, so here’s the real deal cleared up once and for all.

• Oats, in oatmeal or scattered across other cereals or yogurt
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Leafy greens
• Nuts
• Barley
• Papaya

There are also several things you should definitely avoid, like:

• Alcohol
• Herbs like sage, mint, and parsley

There’s a lot of things you can do to fix a low milk supply, but the best things to increase low milk supply fast are always to make sure that you’re looking after yourself, eating right and resting. When you look after yourself, everything else tends to fall into place, and as long as baby is gaining weight, you’re doing great.

So if you’re wondering how to increase milk supply fast, try not to worry. You’re doing a fantastic job, and if you’ve got any questions, you can always leave them in the comments. We love hearing from our readers, and you’ll soon find how helpful everyone can be.

A lot of moms worry about whether they’re feeding their baby enough, especially when they’re breastfeeding. That’s why we’ve got an entire series on whether you’re producing enough milk, and what to do if you think you aren’t. 

But the opposite can also be a problem. You might not have ever considered the issue. Can you overfeed a baby? How do you know if that’s happening? What happens if you are, and what can you do about it?

Can you overfeed a baby?

The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a little bit more complicated than that.

First off, there’s actually a difference in overfeeding practices between breastfed and bottle fed babies. According to studies, babies that breastfeed find it a little bit easier to regulate how much they’re eating, because of a little something called “eating by demand”.

Basically, this means that a baby that’s breastfeeding is in control of how much they take, but when you’re holding the bottle, you’ve got a lot more control which might push the baby into feeding patterns that they otherwise might not have done themselves. A quick and easy example is mommy seeing that there’s only a tiny bit of milk left in the bottle and gently persuading the baby to finish it.

Once or twice, that doesn’t hurt but added up over every feed on every day, and baby will soon start to pack on more pounds than they should be!

Moms might also worry that baby isn’t getting enough nutrition, or just want to make sure that their child is growing up strong and healthy, so they add supplementation to bottle formula like cereals or juices.

Last, there’s the fact that breast milk is a little easier for baby’s tummy to digest, and is digested a little bit more fully than formula milk, meaning that it’s easier for their bodies to regulate what’s being taken in.

But all of this doesn’t matter to most moms. What you need to know is, are you overfeeding your baby, and what can you do about it?

Signs that you might be overfeeding your baby

Big things first. Just because your baby is chubby doesn’t mean they’re being overfed!

Like everyone, babies come in all shapes and sizes, and just because they’re carrying a few more cutesy little chub rolls doesn’t mean that they’re eating too much, and it also doesn’t mean that they’re going to have any health issues.

Because of this, it’s actually really hard to tell if you’re overfeeding your baby in the first year or two of their lives.

It’s highly recommended that you track your baby’s weight, as well as letting your pediatrician do so.

Doing this lets you see whether there have been any unhealthy spikes in weight, and also helps you know if you’re underfeeding.

In the meantime, the best thing to do is to follow healthy life habits and make sure that you’re doing the right things.

Signs of overfeeding

• Your baby is gaining more weight than they should be or gaining weight in rapid spikes

• Overfull, sloppy or bad smelling poops, or over eight full nappies a day

• Excess wind, with deep burps or frequent flatulence

• Regurgitating milk more frequently than usual

• Sleep issues, or general irritability

How to manage overfeeding

• Breastfeed if you can. It’s not an option for all women, but if you get the chance, we believe that you should at least give it a try.

• Don’t give your baby anything with sugars or other sweeteners in, such as juice and other sweet drinks.

• Follow a fresh, healthy diet plan as soon as baby moves onto solids.

• Control your baby’s eating habits, sticking to a more regular feeding plan.

What can cause a baby to overeat

Like all things baby, there’s a lot of issues that can cause this problem, including:

Active sucking reflex or not understanding when baby wants to stop. Especially young (< 6-month-old) babies find it difficult to stop when feeding, as they have a built-in sucking reflex that makes sure they’re getting enough food. Even if they’re full, if you give them the option, they might just keep feeding.

Feeding too fast, or too soon. We’ve all had times where our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. That’s because it takes our brain time to catch up to our stomachs and let us know we’re full. It’s bad when you have a full size adult stomach, but imagine how bad it is for baby. So calm and slow down your feeding times, if you can.

Sleep deprivation or stress. Not getting enough sleep messes with our hormones, and one of the key things hormones do is regulate hunger cues. If baby isn’t getting enough sleep, they might be overfeeding in an attempt to compensate.

Overfeeding by mistake. We discussed this issue earlier, but if baby seems to want to stop, then stop, even if there’s only a tiny smidge of formula left in the bottle. You can always leave it ten minutes and then try again.

Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression has been linked to a propensity to overfeed baby. There are several reasons why this might be the case, ranging from an inability to deal with baby crying so feeding to keep them quiet, to general forgetfulness and mind fog causing more frequent feedings.

If you are suffering from depression, see your doctor as soon as you can to discuss options.

Whilst you might not worry too much about it, overfeeding your child increases their risk of later life obesity and other health issues, so catching it early and starting to implement healthy habits early is a great idea.

Can you overfeed a baby? Yes. But by paying attention to your baby’s needs and learning how they respond around feeding times and how they react when they’re hungry, full, or just a big grumpy, you can make mealtimes that much easier for you both.

If you’re worried that you’re not feeding baby enough, you should read this article and learn what you can do. In the meantime, let us know what you thought of this article in the comments below!

It’s only natural to be concerned with how your baby is getting on, especially if this is your first time. That’s the sign that you’re a great parent.

A lot of moms have an idea about how breastfeeding is going to go, and sometimes, reality doesn’t quite match up with those expectations. Being concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough breast milk is only natural, and you might worry about how to increase breast milk. First off, try and relax. We’re here to answer any questions you might have and take that weight off your mind.

As always, if you’re genuinely concerned, the best thing to do is always talk to a medical professional. We can offer advice, but nothing beats a face to face meeting.

Are you sure you’ve got a low milk supply?

The first big question you need to ask is whether you’ve actually got a low milk supply.

There’s a lot of things that don’t automatically mean you’ve got a low milk supply, including:

• The size or feel of your breasts, for example, if they get softer after a little while that can be a sign that your body has adjusted to your milk supply needs.
• The frequency of feeding, for example, frequent nursing can make you feel like the baby isn’t getting enough milk, but that’s not normally true. Maybe they’re just hungry or going through a growth spurt.
• The behavior of baby, like a sudden increase in nursing. Again, growth spurts come and go, and obviously, when you’re growing up so fast you need a whole lot of energy to get yourself going.
• Baby being fussy or nursing more at particular times. Your baby probably has a fussy time, and they might be hungrier in the evening. After all, they’re a tiny little person, and we all have our ups and downs. I can’t get through the mid-day slump without tea and a biscuit, and I bet you have your moments too, just like a baby!
• The amount you pump. The amount that you pump has little to no indication on your actual milk supply, so don’t worry. Baby is far more efficient than any pump could ever be, not to mention how much you express depends a whole lot on you, the method you’re using, and even the type of pump you have!
• The feeling of let-down not being strong or defined. All our bodies are different, and some women have a slow or steady let-down sensation.

The best general rule to use is that if your baby is gaining weight at a healthy rate, you’ve got enough milk supply.

I think I have a low milk supply, what do I do?

If you still think you have a low milk supply, what can you do?

Well, first off, you should always see your pediatrician. It’s possible that your milk supply is fine, but there’s an underlying reason why your baby is losing weight.

If it does turn out that you have a low milk supply, you should be put in contact with a lactation specialist or breastfeeding counselor, who can tell you precisely what you need to do to fix the problem.

But in the meantime, there’s a lot you can do from home too.

How to increase breast milk supply from your home

One of the big things to realize if you’re learning how to increase breast milk production is to understand just how your body works so you can do the right things.

It’s almost a contradiction. Your body produces more milk when you actually take more out.

It’s backward, but simple when you think about the why. Your body knows what the baby needs. So if you’re using loads of milk, it’s going to think that you need more because you’ve obviously got a healthy, bouncy bonny baby who needs feeding up. If you’re hardly using any, then it’s not going to produce loads that just sits in your breast going to waste.

So step one is to start expressing more milk. You can do this in several ways:

• Check that baby is nursing properly. Sometimes, it can be as simple as making sure you’re both positioned correctly and baby is latching on.
• Nurse often. Remember, a newborn can need feeding every two hours, so it’s fine to step up your feeding schedule.
• Take a few days off just to spend time as a pair. You could probably both do with the break anyway, so take a couple of days where you just spend time together, doing nothing but relaxing, eating and nursing.
• Offer both sides when you nurse. As soon as the baby is finished on the first side, switch over and see if they carry on.
• Use ‘switch nursing’ methods. As soon as a baby loses interest at one breast, whether through falling asleep, comfort sucking or something else, switch sides. Make sure you switch to each breast at least twice per session.
• Avoid anything that baby can suck on that’s not you. This includes pacifiers and bottles.
• Make sure you’re looking after you. Get plenty of sleep, eat right, with a natural and varied diet. Make sure you’re getting enough fluids, and try to relax. If your body isn’t healthy you’re not going to be able to produce what you need for baby.
• Add a breast pump to your daily routine. Getting your body used to express is key to increasing milk flow. So adding a pumping session to empty more milk from the breast and get your body used to produce more could be a big help.

Foods to build up your breast milk supply

As we mentioned earlier, one of the biggest things that contribute to a healthy supply of milk is a varied and healthy diet. But on top of that there are certain foods that can actually give you a bigger boost, like:

Oatmeal

Cheap, inexpensive and easy to make, oatmeal might be a little bit boring, but it’s a staple for a reason. Packed full of fiber to keep you bouncing with energy, they’re also great for increasing lactation.

The great thing about oatmeal is it goes with anything, and you can add pretty much anything to it. Fruit, honey, cinnamon, even brown sugar or other cereals. Go wild.

Spinach

Spinach is stuffed with iron, as we all learned from Saturday morning cartoons. That means it’s great for your milk supply, and because spinach goes with anything, you can have it daily.

Garlic

Love it or hate it, garlic is fantastic for increasing your milk supply, on top of its myriad other health benefits.

Brewer’s Yeast

More of a supplement, brewer’s yeast is awesome for one big reason. You can have it with anything. Put it in a smoothie. Add it to your oatmeal. It even comes in pill form if you can’t stomach the real stuff.

Fenugreek

A herbal supplement that’s been used for years, fenugreek works, and it works fast. Like, within one or two days fast. Normally, people make a tea with it, so take 5 and have a nice, refreshing cup of tea that’s also going to stimulate milk production. Win-win!

Things to remember

• You might not have low milk flow. It’s baby’s weight that matters, but if you’re concerned, always see a healthcare professional
• If you do have low milk flow, you want to remove more milk, so your body learns to keep producing more
• Diet can help, but you should be looking at the routines you and baby have first

Like a lot of things mother related, breastfeeding and how to increase breast milk can seem daunting, and then you do it and realize it actually comes so naturally, and you don’t even know why you worried so much.

We always love hearing from our readers. If you’ve got a story or any tips for other mothers who might be struggling a little, let us know in the comments. It might be just the help another mom like you needs!

You might not want to talk about it, because it’s bad enough dealing with it, but understanding how often should newborns poop and why your newborns will poop is important.

By paying close attention to their poop, from how it looks to how often they’re going, you can tell an awful lot about the health and well being of your baby, so it’s something you should get familiar with.

Bear in mind, once the first 8 to 12 weeks have gone past, you can breathe a big sigh of relief because that’s the period that really matters. After this, you can relax and stop thinking about how often should newborns poop. Yeah, dealing with this stinks, we know. But the more you understand, the easier it’ll be. So read on to find out what you need to know.

Can my baby poop too much?

You might be worried that your baby is pooping too much, especially early on, when they’re going four, five, six, even ten times a day. Apparently, the average is somewhere near five. But don’t ask us how we know that…

Going this much is actually a good sign. For the first few weeks at least, your baby should be pooping after pretty much every feed.

After a few weeks, normally six to eight weeks, they’ll start to slow down. You might even go a day or so without having to change a poopy diaper. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, though, so don’t worry if they keep going (and going…) After the first few weeks you shouldn’t have to worry, so only go to the doctors if they’re happy, healthy and gaining weight.

You should expect there to be slightly less frequent if they’re on formula rather than breast milk, because of the different consistency and slightly different way that formula and breast milk are processed in the stomach, but they should still be pooping after pretty much every feed as well.

You shouldn’t be that concerned with how often your baby is pooping unless it’s really egregious. What you should be concerned with instead are consistency and color.

Your baby’s poop: What you should look out for

When it comes to what’s normal in the diaper, it differs slightly, depending on whether you’re formula feeding or breastfeeding.

For breastfed babies, bowel movements will usually be yellowy and relatively loose, almost mustard-like inconsistency and look. They could also be mushy or curdy, and relatively watery as a good portion of breast milk is absorbed.

Formula fed babies will have slightly thicker, more consistent poop than a breastfed baby, and the color can be anywhere from yellow, all the way through the range from green to brown.

There’s blood in my baby’s stool. What do I do?

First off, relax a little. There are several reasons why this could be happening.

Firstly, if you’re breastfeeding, this could be a sign that baby is allergic to something that you’re eating. Talk to your pediatrician. They will go through your diet with you and list potential foods that could be causing this, so you can eliminate them and identify what’s causing the issue.

If your baby is formula fed, it’s possible that your baby is allergic to the milk in your formula, though this isn’t actually that likely. As always, talk to your doctor. They might recommend switching formula, or assess the issue another way.

There’s a lower possibility that your baby might have a fissure or crack in their anus that is causing the bleeding, or if breastfed that they’ve swallowed some blood if your nipples are dry or cracked.

In all situations, talk to your doctor. They’ll run you through a checklist and soon have the issue sorted.

My baby isn’t pooping. Can a baby go too long without pooping?

Constipation is rare in breastfed babies, but you should still monitor how often they’re going because not going often in those first few crucial weeks could mean that they’re not getting enough feeds.

Like we mentioned earlier, after 6 to 8 weeks, you can stop monitoring your baby’s bowel movements so closely, as you’re past the crucial period.

A good rule of thumb is to talk to a medical professional if your baby goes more than three days without pooping.

Can my baby get constipated?

They can, especially in those transition periods where, for example, they’re switching from breast milk to formula or you’re introducing solid foods to their diet.

Just because they haven’t gone in a few days doesn’t mean your baby is constipated. That could just be the workings of a normal, healthy digestive system. Instead, you should look for small, round stools and signs that passing is difficult like screwed up little facial features or sounds suggesting difficulty or pain.

The most common reasons for a young baby to get constipated is lack of fluids, and once they’ve switched to solids, that their diet doesn’t have enough fiber.

It could just be that pooping is painful because they’ve got a small tear or fissure. If that’s the case, a touch of petroleum jelly and a quick visit to the doctor to make sure everything is okay should fix that right up.

Baby poop: What you need to know

• The first six weeks are the most important when it comes to understanding your baby’s stools
• Early on, your baby should be pooping about as often as they feed
• After a few weeks, this schedule might start to slow down
• If they haven’t gone in three days, or you see any difficulty when they’re passing anything, that’s the time to call the doctor

Bet you didn’t expect to read a whole article on poop this morning, right?

Well, here at Twinstuff, we love to surprise, and we’re with you all the way, no matter how difficult or awkward the subject matter, even things like how often should newborns poop.

If you’ve got any questions, information, or you just want a chat with other like-minded moms, feel free to fire away in our comments. We love our little community so why not join in using our comment section below. We’ll see you there.