Is my baby getting enough breast milk?
Signs your baby is getting enough milk
A common concern for new mothers and parents is that they’re not producing enough milk, but undersupply is actually uncommon.
Keep in mind that your baby won’t drink that much milk at first — with the small size of their growing tummies, newborns only need about a tablespoon of colostrum at a time. Still, it’s normal for babies to lose a bit of weight in the days after delivery. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) should be enlisted to evaluate should an infant lose more than 7% of their birth weight. Just make sure you’re nursing at least eight to 12 times within a 24-hour period. Not only will this get them the nutrient-rich colostrum, it will also help stimulate milk production.
Still, peace of mind with a newborn is everything. So while you might be tempted to use bottles in the early days to know exactly how much your baby is getting, there are other ways to put your mind at ease.
Here’s how to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk.
Diaper duty
The number one sign that your baby is getting enough milk comes in their diapers. How many times they pee and poo in a day can tell you if they’re well-fed. Newborns under six weeks should have six or more wet diapers and three to four dirty diapers per day by the time they are four days old. Urine should appear pale and have only a very mild odor. After your baby has had a chance to poop out meconium, which is a thick, tarry substance that lines your baby’s intestines during pregnancy, their stools will transition to newborn poop, which is soft and yellow. Color and consistency matter! If your baby does not have consistent wet diapers, call your pediatrician or IBCLC right away.
Weight gain
One obvious sign of a baby getting enough (or too little) milk is by following their weight patterns. Babies typically lose a few ounces in the first week after birth — up to 10 percent of their birth weight — but should gain it back in 10 days to two weeks. If an infant loses more than 7% of their birth weight, they should be closely monitored by an appropriate lactation care provider. An IBCLC can provide a thorough feeding and transfer evaluation to support families if they are experiencing concerns with their baby’s weight gain.
In the first four months, a 5.5- to 8.5-ounce weight gain per week is normal. Since babies tend to grow in spurts rather than all at once, watching the growth curve over time is preferred. If you notice unusual changes, such as continued weight loss after the first two weeks, talk to your IBCLC and doctor.
How can I tell if my baby is hungry or wants comfort?
An infant will exhibit hunger cues to let a parent know when it’s time for a nursing session by:
- Moving fists to mouth or sucks on hands
- Looking for your breast while being held (commonly known as rooting)
- Becoming more alert and active
- Opening and closing mouth frequently (lip smacking)
While crying is a sign of hunger, it’s a very late sign and indicates distress and frustration. It may also be more difficult to start breastfeeding and get a good latch when your baby is fussing, so watch out for earlier hunger cues and respond as soon as possible to help facilitate a better latch. If your baby becomes distressed, it is important to calm them before attempting a feed. Once full, your baby’s body language will relax, and they may fall asleep. This can be a great time for bonding between the parent and baby.
What are some signs my baby isn’t getting enough breast milk?
- If your baby continues to lose weight after the first few weeks. By 10 to 14 days old, your baby should be back to their birth weight. If this doesn’t happen, contact your healthcare provider and IBCLC.
- If your baby is sleeping through expected feeding windows. Newborns sleep a lot — anywhere from sixteen to eighteen hours a day — but they also need to eat a lot and should be eager to nurse at appropriate intervals. If a newborn is sleeping through a feeding window (every 2-3 hours) or having low energy levels when awake and trying to feed, these may be signs of a baby who could struggle to transfer enough. Enlist the help of an IBCLC if this is the case.
- If your baby doesn’t have regular bowel movements. Your baby should have three to four bowel movements per day within the first 4-5 days following birth. Also keep an eye on their urine: Very yellow or dark shades can be a sign of dehydration.
Contact an IBCLC
If you are concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough breast milk, the best way to answer questions you have related to your supply is to contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). These certified lactation experts and clinicians will determine if latching issues or your breastfeeding position are contributing to poor infant weight gain, they also may perform a weighted feed to determine exactly how much breast milk your little one takes in during a session and answer any other questions you may have. Breastfeeding is an essential process, and you can get multiple visits with an IBCLC covered by your insurance (often from the comfort of home), so schedule your consultation today!
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
