Is my baby getting enough milk?

It is quite common to wonder if your baby is getting enough milk and it’s nearly impossible to measure the amount when breastfeeding. So, how do you tell if your baby is getting enough?

For the first few days, your breasts will be making colostrum for your baby. This first milk is thick and sticky but very nutritious and important for your baby’s immune system. Your baby will likely feed often, 8-12 or more times in each 24 hour period. This frequent nursing in the early days helps to signal to your breasts to make plenty of milk for your baby.

With frequent nursing over the first few days, your body will transition from the super-rich, concentrated colostrum to mature milk to match your baby’s changing needs. Your baby will continue to nurse often and start to gain weight.

What are some signs that my baby is feeding well? 

• Baby is nursing frequently, 8-12 times per 24 hour period.
• Baby seems content and happy after a feed, releasing the breast on their own. Their hands may be in fists before feeding, they will then often relax and open.
• Their weight. It’s normal for babies to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first 5 days after birth. After this babies should gain 20-30g per day on average. 
• Your baby has periods of active, rhythmic swallowing of milk during feeds.
• Breastfeeds are usually between 5-40 minutes long. This may include one or both sides. The end of a feed is when a baby unlatches themselves or falls asleep at the breast. 
• Your baby has normal amounts of wet and dirty nappies. Read about what is normal here
• Baby is alert and active when awake, and meeting their developmental milestones.

What are some signs that my baby might not be getting enough milk?  

• Baby seems very sleepy. Babies who aren’t getting enough milk will have low energy. 
• A baby who is not feeding well may fall asleep a few minutes after beginning to feed, or may take longer than 40 minutes per feed.
• Latching is painful. A shallow latch can prevent baby from getting enough milk. You can read about positioning and attachment here. 
• Your baby hasn’t regained their birth weight by 10-14 days old or weight gain is slower than expected. 
• Your baby does not have enough wet or dirty nappies. You can read about this here.

What can I do if I don’t think my baby is getting enough? 

Most breastfeeding/chestfeeding issues, including low supply, can be solved more easily if they are addressed sooner rather than later. Even if you are unsure whether or not there is a problem, talking to your health professional or an LLL Leader can be helpful. You can contact us here. 

Remember, you are the expert on your baby. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your intuition and reach out for help.

You can find more detail about milk supply and other breastfeeding information in our book, “The Art of Breastfeeding”. You can buy this at our bookshop, and some of the money you spend will help us support other families like yours. 

Adapted from La Leche League International article “is my baby getting enough”.