Is breast milk really enough for my baby? (Baby care query)

Breast milk is produced in the right proportion for the baby's needs. There is no food close to breastmilk that can take care of a child's need during the initial six months of life.

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: September 26, 2014 10:55 am

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My baby is four months old and has been exclusively breastfed. Though I want to breastfeed my baby till six months of age as recommended, but friends and family advice that breast milk might not be enough to keep up with my baby’s growing needs. Is four months the right time to start weaning? Also how can I be sure that my baby is keeping full with only breastfeeds? Also Read - Kids turning hypertensive: Get your child screened for early detection

There is no need to worry about weaning your baby before six months of age. The mother’s milk is just right for the baby and takes care of all the nutritional requirements during this phase. While breastfeeding, at the beginning of the feed the milk appears thin and is called the foremilk, and it gets thicker as the baby suckles and nears the end of the feed. This thick breastmilk is termed as hindmilk. The foremilk is rich in lactose and the hindmilk is a rich source of fat. One complete feed gives your baby that perfect balanced food. Also Read - Kids who take steroids at increased risk for diabetes: Know the other side effects of this medication

Weaning is recommended to be started only after six months of age as it takes that long for your baby’s digestive system to develop and prepare for foods other than breast milk. If you still wish to wean your baby early talk to your pediatrician first. Remember foods other than breast milk, before six months of age, can result in indigestion, infection or an allergy. So its wise to slow down over here.

In case you wish to know if your baby is getting enough breast milk look for these following signs:

Your baby gains weight consistently. On an average a healthy baby gains between half to 1Kg per month.
Urinates frequently. If your baby passes urine for about six to eight times a day it is indication enough that your baby is getting enough of breast milk. Also a clear coloured urine is another indicator of enough breast milk has been fed.
Your baby pulls out after a feed with some amount of milk remaining in the mouth.
Your baby suckles at a pace and seems satisfied after a feed.

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Published : June 10, 2014 5:39 pm | Updated:September 26, 2014 10:55 am

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