If new mommies who are breast feeding wanna make sure that their bundles of joy are getting enough, some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep an accurate count of those wet diapers. Not the poopy ones; but, the WET ones. If the number is <6, it’s a red flag.
- Is ur baby satisfied after a feed & is going to sleep content or is he still looking around for more food? If you see signs like sucking movements of the lips, searching for the nipple, that means he/she hasnt had enough.
- Another option is to take test weights.
For preterm infants or infants having difficulty with breastfeeding, serial test weights may be used in the home to monitor your baby’s breast milk intake. Serial test weights are pre and post feeding weights obtained on a special electronic scale to determine the volume of breast milk your baby received during breastfeeding. Your care provider will tell you how many test weights to perform every day. Sometimes test weights are done once a day and sometimes they are done with every feeding. You should keep a written log of the feeding volume measurements and show it to your care provider at each scheduled appointment.
Supplies needed:
- Medela BabyWeigh Scale
- receiving blanket
- pencil and paper
Procedure:
- Clean the scale using a SaniWipe prior to use.
- If you are going to use a blanket or lap pad, place on the scale.
- Turn scale on by pressing the “On / Zero Button”
- Lay baby on scale in clothes, diaper, blanket, etc. **He or she does not need to be naked for the pre-feeding weight.
- The weight will lock in and will have a small arrow by memory lock. Press the button that says “weight entry”.
- Remove baby from scale and press zero again.
- After mother is finished breastfeeding, place baby on scale again.
- Once the post-feeding weight locks in, press the button labeled “weight gain” and this will give you the calculated intake or the difference between the 2 weights.
- Record the “Test Weight” on your log sheet. The type and amount of additional fluids should also be recorded on your log sheet.
- The scale automatically calculates the difference between the two weight measurements. This number in grams (g) equals the volume in milliliters (ml) of your baby’s milk intake. Your care provider will tell you if your baby needs additional fluids based on his or her specific nutritional needs.
Tips:
For accurate weights follow the tips below:
- The scale must be placed on a sturdy level surface such as a table or counter top.
- Check the level indicator on the scale and adjust using the dial button until the scale is level.
- Check to make sure nothing is touching the sides of the scale.
- Make sure your baby’s blankets, clothing, or medical tubing / wires are not hanging over the edge of the tray.
- Weigh your baby in the same clothing before and after breastfeeding.
- Do not change your baby’s diaper until the test weight measurements are complete.
The link below will give u more information about the Medela weigh scale. You can either rent or purchase one.
http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/diagnostic/227/babyweigh-scale
Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.