The virtues of breast feeding have been extolled time and again till almost everybody now realises the importance of it. However, most breastfeeding moms, especially new ones, worry if their newborn is getting enough.

During the first six months, experts advise that you exclusively breastfeed your baby. The feeding pattern is usually 'on demand' that is, whenever the infant cries, the mother should offer a feed. The frequency of feed varies with each infant. You and your child will establish a pattern over the first fortnight or so.

By natural instinct, the baby will suck on a nipple (or anything else that even touches its cheeks) immediately after birth. Your healthcare provider will show you the different positions of nursing, including sitting and lying down on your side. You should choose the most comfortable position for you and ensure that your child is also comfortable with it.

If you are feeding the baby in a sitting position, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow to support your arm while holding the baby. Get a comfortable chair or prop yourself on pillows so that your back is not strained.  

Usually, mothers find it comfortable to offer alternate breasts at feeds. Newborn infants often get tired very quickly, particularly when they are suckling. It is common for infants to fall asleep while being nursed, even before they are full. If your baby falls asleep during breast feeding, pat him gently or tickle his feet to awaken him to complete his feed. You will know he has had enough when he refuses the offered nipple.

It is difficult, particularly when you are nursing, to know if your baby has had enough - or any at all. You may look out for these simple signs:

1. Your breast feels soft because the baby has emptied some of the milk which was making it firm.
2. The baby is relaxed after the feed, probably asleep as the mother's milk contains chemicals which soothe the baby.

The surest sign that your baby is adequately nourished is that it keeps growing. Here, it is important to note that all infants lose about 10 per cent of their birth weight in the initial two weeks after birth that they later regain. This is absolutely normal.

In the first few days, when the baby is being fed on the thick colostrum, he may wet one or two diapers a day. However after your milk comes through and the baby is regularly feeding on it, he may wet about six disposable diapers a day.

In the initial few days after birth, the baby may have about three bowel movements in a day, the color of the stool changing to dull mustard by the fifth day. By the end of a month, once-a-day or less frequent bowel movements are common. Just continue breast feeding for as long as your paediatrician recommends, and enjoy a happy and healthy bond with your child.