"What if my new baby doesn't feed as much as she should?"

A newborn should feed at least 8 times in 24 hours. Some babies may not wake often enough in the early stages of breastfeeding (medications used during labour could be part of the reason). Some things you can try to wake a baby who doesn't feed enough include: change baby's diaper; hold the baby against your chest as though you are burping her, skin to skin; give baby a massage or bath; try wiping her forehead and cheeks with a cool damp cloth; circle her mouth with your fingertip; or express several drops of colostrum onto baby's lips and tongue. If these tips do not help, you should seek the advice of a professional immediately. Sources: National Breastfeeding Guidelines for Health Care Providers and La Leche League's "The Breastfeeding Answer Book"