One of the most common concerns I hear from breastfeeding mothers during my consultations is, “Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?” My answer is always the same: It’s a very interesting question to ask, but not always easy to answer. As a mother, understanding your baby’s needs can bring peace of mind. It may take a sometime before you feel confident that your baby is getting what they need, but as you continue your breastfeeding journey, you’ll learn to trust your body and your maternal instincts.
Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the first few days and particularly for first-time parents. The beginning of your breastfeeding journey is often filled with doubt. In this blog, I’ll delve into how to recognise the signs of adequate milk intake, dispel common myths, explain when to seek help, and, as usual, I’ll provide my top 5 practical tips to ensure your baby is getting enough milk.
Signs Your Baby is Feeding Well
Every baby is unique, and their feeding patterns may vary. However, there are some universal signs that can help you determine whether your baby is receiving enough breastmilk. These include:
- Weight gain: Your baby is gaining weight steadily. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5-10% of their birth weight in the first few days, but they should regain it by day 15. Ideally, babies gain 20-30 grams per day, though this may vary. It’s important not to weigh your baby daily, as weight fluctuations are normal. Instead, weigh them weekly for a more accurate assessment.
- Frequent feeding: Newborns typically breastfeed 8 to 12 times per day. This frequency helps establish your milk supply and ensures your baby’s needs are met.
- Wet nappies: Observing your baby’s urine output is a key indicator of milk intake. While it can be difficult to tell exactly how often your baby is urinating, monitoring nappy changes can help. In the first few days, expect 1 to 3 wet nappies per day, increasing to 6 or more by days 5-6. Many nappy brands have a wetness indicator line that changes colour when wet, making it easier to track.
- Urine colour: The colour of the urine is also important. In the first few days, urine may appear more concentrated or slightly orange, but by day 5, when your milk transitions from colostrum to milk, urine should be light yellow to clear.
- Dirty nappies: Your baby’s first stools, called meconium, are black, sticky and resemble petroleum. By day 5, stools should transition to a soft, loose, mustard-yellow colour. The number of bowel movements varies, but during the first few days, aim for 3-4 dirty nappies per day.
- Breasts feel softer after feeding: After a feed, your breasts should feel softer and less full than before the feed, indicating effective milk removal.
- Baby is content: A well-fed baby will be relaxed and satisfied after feeding. Some babies may stay awake and alert, which is also normal when they are meeting developmental milestones. A baby who detaches from the breast on their own is the best sign that they are full and satisfied.
- Audible swallowing: Listen for rhythmic swallowing sounds during feeds. This indicates that your baby is effectively transferring milk.
- Deep latch: A good latch is essential for effective milk transfer. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, taking in as much breast tissue as possible, not just the nipple. Their nose and chin should touch your breast, and both lips should be flared outward. If feeding is painful or uncomfortable, the latch may need adjustment.
- Rounded cheeks: Your baby’s cheeks should remain full and rounded while sucking, not hollowed like when drinking from a straw.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Misunderstandings about breastfeeding often cause unnecessary worry. Let’s dispel some of the most common myths:
1. “My breasts feel soft, so I must not have enough milk”. Milk production adapts to your baby’s needs over time. Feeling full and engorged all the time would be uncomfortable! Your body is very intelligent, and it will adjust your milk supply. Once your body has adjusted, you may notice your breasts feel softer, and this doesn’t mean you’re producing less milk. This is something very common that happens around three months postpartum called the 3-months breastfeeding crisis.
2. “My baby wants to feed all the time, so I must not have enough milk”. Frequent feeding doesn’t necessarily indicate low supply. Babies go through periods, known as breastfeeding crises or growth spurts, during which they want to feed more often to boost milk production. Additionally, nursing is not just about hunger; it also provides comfort, bonding, and hydration, especially in summertime.
3. “I can’t pump much milk, so I must not be producing enough”. Pumping output doesn’t reflect how much milk your baby gets at the breast. Babies are far more efficient than pumps. Some mothers—for reasons not yet understood—struggle to express milk despite having a good supply, even when using a hospital-grade pump. They may try different techniques or times of the day…
When to Seek Help
Most breastfeeding issues, including concerns about milk intake, can be easily resolved early support. If you’re unsure whether your baby is getting enough milk, it’s best to consult an IBCLC lactation consultant. They can assess your baby’s latch, evaluate milk transfer, and provide personalised guidance.
You can achieve great peace of mind knowing that things are going well or, if they are not, you can get help and guidance to make your breastfeeding journey more enjoyable. I’d recommend seeking professional support if:
- Your baby isn’t gaining weight or is losing weight after regaining their birth weight.
- Your baby isn’t having enough wet or dirty nappies daily by the end of the first week.
- Your baby’s urine remains dark beyond the first week.
- Feedings are painful, or your nipples are damaged and cracked.
- Your baby struggles to latch or stay latched.
- Your baby is constantly unsettled or unsatisfied after most feeds.
- Your baby is lethargic and sleeps excessively due to low energy from inadequate milk intake.
My Top 5 Practical Tips to Ensure Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
1. Skin-to-skin contact: Holding your baby skin-to-skin promotes bonding and stimulates feeding instincts, leading to better feeding sessions.
2. Ensure a good latch: A deep latch ensures efficient milk transfer and prevents nipple pain and discomfort. If feeding is painful, adjust your baby’s position or delatch and try again.
3. Feed on demand: Frequent feeding is normal and necessary to establish and maintain a strong milk supply as well as to satisfy your baby’s needs. Watch for early hunger cues like rooting, sucking on hands, or smacking lips. Don’t wait until your baby cries, as crying is a late hunger cue and can make feeding more challenging.
4. Switch sides: In the early days, offer both breasts at each feed to help stimulate milk production. After your supply regulates, some babies will be satisfied with one breast, while others may still need both.
5. Avoid dummies and bottles early on: Introducing a bottle or dummy before breastfeeding is established can interfere with breastfeeding. Dummies can reduce feeding frequency, leading to a drop in milk supply. It’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well-established before introducing them.
Worrying about whether your baby is getting enough milk is completely normal. By understanding the signs of adequate intake, you can gain peace of mind. I hope this blog has helped, but if you still have concerns, don’t hesitate to seek support from an IBCLC. With the right guidance, you can navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding and start enjoying your breastfeeding journey.
