Babies give visual cues when they're hungry. The last thing they do is cry.
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How to Tell if Your Infant Is Eating Right
Once your baby is latched onto your breast, watch to make sure her sucking is
effective and that she is getting enough milk to satisfy her appetite. "You
should see her jaw and cheek move up and down vigorously, and you should be able
to hear her swallowing," Lawrence says. "You may also see a little milk dribble
out of the side of your baby's mouth."
Controlling your flow may be a bit of a challenge as you and your baby establish
a nursing pattern. If your breasts are so full that it's making it hard for your
infant to latch on or if your milk is flowing too fast at the outset, you may
want to express a bit of milk before your baby starts to nurse. To do this, wash
and dry your hands, then place one on top of your breast and the other beneath
it. Press gently toward the areola to express the milk into the sink or into a
bottle for freezing. Or, use a breast pump (see page 62). Repeat on the other
side, if necessary.
The length of time for each feeding will vary with every baby and her mood, but
most infants work up to 20 minutes or so at each session. Be sure to empty one
breast before moving to the second, Bromberg Bar-Yam advises. This is important
because the initial milk is watery and satisfies baby's thirst. The milk at the
end is called the hind milk, which contains more fat and calories. "If you switch
breasts before getting to the hind milk, your baby won't get enough nutrition,"
she says.
Always offer the second breast after emptying the first. If your child doesn't
seem hungry for her "second helping," don't fret. Begin nursing with your other
breast at the next feeding. (To remember which side they're supposed to start on
next time, some women find it helpful to move their watch onto that
wrist.)
Your baby will signal that she's full by slowing down her sucking or
spontaneously releasing your breast, which will start to feel soft. If your
newborn nods off while she's still latched onto your breast, Swift has a
suggestion: Try gently placing your pinkie finger in between the baby's gums and
your breast, which will break the suction.
To check that your newborn is getting enough milk, look for at least six wet
diapers and three stools per day during your child's first month. Your
pediatrician will also weigh your baby to confirm that she's thriving. Your
newborn should be examined by a doctor three to five days after going home from
the hospital. Be sure to ask questions at this visit if you're having any trouble
nursing. Lactation consultants are on call at many hospitals and birthing centers
to help. Or, your health professional may direct you to a support group such as
La Leche League. Be patient and go easy on yourself. Nursing your infant is a
loving, intimate act, and you'll cherish the time together as your child grows
bigger and stronger. 
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Express Yourself