Baby and Infant Care
Parenting Tips & Childcare Services
Knowing if your baby is getting enough milk is one of the most common concerns for breastfeeding parents. Since you can’t measure exactly how much milk your baby is drinking, look for these signs that they’re getting enough nourishment:
1. Steady Weight Gain
A reliable indicator of adequate milk intake is steady weight gain. In the first few days after birth, it's normal for newborns to lose a bit of weight. However, by about two weeks, most babies return to their birth weight and continue to gain about 5-7 ounces per week during the first month. Your paediatrician will track your baby’s growth at check-ups, which can help reassure you that they’re on the right track.
2. Wet and Dirty Diapers
A well-fed baby will have a good output of wet and dirty diapers:
Wet Diapers: Expect around 6 or more wet diapers a day after the first few days of life. Urine should be pale yellow or clear, indicating proper hydration.
Dirty Diapers: Newborns tend to have 3-4 bowel movements daily in the early weeks. The stools should transition from dark meconium to yellowish, soft, and seedy stools by day 5.
3. Active and Alert Behavior
A well-fed baby is typically alert, active, and responsive between feedings. They should also be relatively calm after feedings, appearing satisfied and content. Fussiness can sometimes indicate hunger, but if they’re calm and alert most of the day, it’s a sign they’re getting enough.
4. Swallowing Sounds During Feeding
While breastfeeding, observe your baby for signs of active swallowing. You should hear soft swallowing sounds and see a rhythm in their jaw and throat movements. The initial fast sucks usually become slower, deeper pulls as they settle into the feeding session.
5. Breast Softening After Feeding
When your baby feeds well, you may notice that your breasts feel softer and less full afterward. This softening is a sign that your baby has emptied the milk, which can help reassure you that they’re getting what they need.
6. Frequent Feeding Sessions
Breastfed babies often feed frequently—about 8-12 times in 24 hours, especially in the early weeks. Cluster feeding (several feeds close together) is also common and helps build your milk supply. If your baby is feeding consistently and seems satisfied after each session, it’s a positive indicator.
A well-fed baby will usually fall into a restful sleep for an hour or two after feedings. While it’s normal for newborns to wake frequently to feed, short naps and general restfulness in between can show they’re satisfied with their feeding sessions.
When to Seek Help
If you’re concerned about any of the above signs, or if your baby is:
Consistently fussy or seems unsatisfied after feedings,
Losing weight instead of gaining after the first few days,
Producing fewer than 6 wet diapers a day, or
Not showing signs of alertness when awake,
It’s best to speak with a pediatrician or lactation consultant. You may also want to consider a nanny who can help assess your baby’s intake and offer guidance to ensure they’re feeding well.
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