When your baby is breastfed, it’s impossible to measure how many ounces of milk they’re taking at every feeding. If this causes you anxiety that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, you are not alone! But the truth is, you don’t need fancy tools, apps, or a crystal ball to know your baby is satisfied.
Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Right now: hunger and fullness cues
One of the best ways to tell if your baby is hungry now is by paying attention to their cues.
When your baby is hungry, they might:
- Root around, turning their head and opening their mouth
- Bring their hands or closed fists to their mouth
- Make sucking noises or motions
On the other hand, when they’re full, you might notice:
- They release the breast on their own
- Their hands become relaxed and open
- They might fall asleep or seem content
Remember, every baby is different. Getting to know your baby’s unique cues takes time, so be patient with yourself!
Today: Wet and dirty diaper count
Keeping track of wet and dirty diapers might not be the most glamorous part of parenthood, but it’s a great way to ensure your baby is getting enough milk. Here’s what to look out for:
- In the first few days, look for about 1 wet and 1 dirty diaper per day of life (so 1 wet and 1 dirty on the first day, 2 and 2 on the second day, etc.)
- After the first week, expect about 6-8 or more wet and 3-4 or more dirty diapers
- After the first 6 weeks or so, the number of dirty diapers may taper off to 1-2 per day
Keeping track of wet and dirty diapers will give you peace of mind and is useful information to share with your pediatrician during check-ups. If your baby is not having enough wet or dirty diapers, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Overall: Weight gain and growth patterns
Steady weight gain is a great indicator that your baby is getting enough nutrition. Here’s what you should know:
- Most babies lose a bit of weight in the first few days after birth – this is normal!
- By 2 weeks old, they should be back to their birth weight
- After that, expect a gain of about 5-7 ounces per week in the first few months
Your pediatrician will track your baby’s growth at regular check-ups, but you don’t need to worry about checking their weight at home. This gives you a good indication that your baby is eating enough overall and those sleepless nights are worth it!
Things That Don’t (Necessarily) Mean Your Baby is Hungry
Crying
As a new parent, it’s easy to assume that every cry means your baby is hungry. But here’s the truth: babies cry for many reasons! They might be:
- Tired
- Needing a diaper change
- Wanting comfort or cuddles
- Too hot or too cold
- Overstimulated
Listening to your baby cry is stressful! But remember, crying is a late hunger cue – if you pick up on their earlier hunger cues and feed them early, you’ll know when they cry they have other needs that need to be met.
Low pumping output
If you’re pumping breast milk, don’t let a low output discourage you. Here’s why:
- Babies are much more efficient at removing milk than pumps
- Your body responds differently to a pump than to your baby
- Pump output can vary based on time of day, stress levels, and even how well-rested you are
There are so many reasons you may be seeing less at the pump than your baby is actually getting. If you need help optimizing your pumping output, please reach out for a consult. And remember – the pump isn’t telling the whole story!
Frequent breastfeeding
It’s a common misconception that frequent breastfeeding means your baby isn’t getting enough. In reality:
- Frequent feeding is normal, especially in the early weeks
- Breast milk digests quickly, so babies often need to eat every 2-3 hours
- Cluster feeding (very frequent feeding for a period of time) is common during growth spurts
Frequent breastfeeding is your baby’s way of stimulating your milk production to meet their growing needs. Hang in there!
Getting Help
Call your pediatrician
If you’re worried about your baby’s nutrition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They can:
- Check your baby’s weight and growth
- Reassure you your baby is developing well and thriving
- Provide additional support or advice if needed
- Refer you to a lactation consultant
It’s always better to ask than to worry.
Schedule a lactation consult with an IBCLC
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can be a fantastic resource. They can:
- Assess your breastfeeding technique
- Help with any latch issues
- Provide personalized advice for your specific situation
- Perform a weighted feed
Please reach out to me or another IBCLC if you’re concerned your breastfed baby is not getting enough milk. I can help you or connect you with someone in your area.
Summary
Remember, every baby and every breastfeeding journey is unique. Trust your instincts, pay attention to your baby’s cues, and don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it. And keep up the good work!