One of the most common questions asked among mothers is; how can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk? It is totally understandable for mothers to ask this question, as you can’t see or measure the amount baby takes from your breast during a feed. You may also wonder if your baby is getting all the nourishment they need from you, or if you have enough milk for your baby. Mothers concern that their baby isn’t getting enough milk is one of the most common reasons mothers wean their babies from breastfeeding. There is, however, a number of ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.
1. Baby feeding frequently
Your baby should be feeding frequently, averaging at least eight to 12 feeds per 24-hour period. This can increase during times when your baby is having a growth spurt. Growth spurts can occur between three to 10 days, three to six weeks, two to four months, six and nine months. During growth spurts, mothers can question if they have enough breast milk for their baby. Feed your baby on demand, keeping your baby close to you during a growth spurt, as frequent feeding and keeping your baby close to you helps to increase your milk production. Feed your baby on early hunger cues - crying is a late hunger cue. Ensure you are eating and drinking adequate amounts, as you may feel hungry and tired during these times.
2. Alert and active baby
Your baby should be alert, active and appear healthy, with a good skin colour. Your baby’s alertness and activity level should reflect her age. Healthy, firm and good colour skin tone are important factors when determining if your baby is getting enough milk. If your baby is jaundice, a health professional can measure your baby’s jaundice level and determine if any medical interventions are needed.
3. Wet nappies
On day one, your baby should have at least one wet nappy; day two, at least two wet nappies; day three, at least three wet nappies; day four at least four wet nappies; from day five until six months, your baby should have at least six heavy, wet nappies. It is important to note that wet nappies alone are not enough to determine whether your baby is getting enough milk.
4. Dirty nappies
On day one to day two, your baby should have at least one to two black or dark green stools; on day three to day four, your baby should have at least three brown, green, or yellow stools. From day five until six weeks, your baby should have at least three stools per day which are of a soft, yellow and seedy consistency. From six weeks until six months, your baby should have one or more stools every one to seven days. This is because breast milk properties are absorbed and used by your baby, with very little waste.
5. Weight, length and head circumference
Weight, length and head circumference measurements are good indications that your baby is getting enough milk. Your baby may lose up to 5% or 7% of her birth weight in the first few days, and regain this weight by day 10 to 14. Babies can lose up to 10% weight, and this can be considered normal. However, if your baby has lost 10% of her birth weight, it is advisable to seek additional help breastfeeding, or discuss this with your health professional.
Your baby should gain between 155 to 241 grams a week, or an average of 170 grams per week between 0-4 months of age. From four months to six months, your baby should gain between 92 to126 grams per week, or between 113 to 142 grams per week. From six to 12 months, your baby should gain between 50 to 80 grams per week, or between 57 to 113 grams per week. The typical breastfed baby doubles their birth weight by three to four months. By one year, the typical breastfed baby will weigh about two-and-a-half to three times their birth weight.
Your baby’s length increase from 0 - 6 months should be approximately 2.5cms per month, and from 6 - 12 months it should be approximately 1.27cms per month. Your baby’s head circumference from 0 - 6 months should increase by approximately 1.27cms per month, and from 6 - 12 months it should increase by approximately 64mms. By one year, the typical breastfed baby’s length will increase by 50%, and her head circumference will increase by 33%. Using the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards (2006) can help you to measure your child’s growth from birth to five years.
6. Allow baby to finish the feed
Breastfeeding shouldn’t be timed; babies feed for long and short periods throughout the day. By allowing your baby to finish the feed when they are ready, you are helping to regulate your milk supply to your baby’s need. Allow your baby to feed on demand. In the early stages, if your baby is sleepy and not feeding frequently, you may need to gently wake your baby to feed.
7. Effective latch
An effective latch is a necessity for milk to transfer from your breast to your baby. This is discussed in detail in Breastfeeding: positioning and latching your baby. Signs of a good latch are hearing your baby making swallowing sounds whilst feeding; your baby’s lips are turned outward in a ‘K’ shape; your baby’s cheeks should be rounded; your baby’s chin is touching the breast, with your baby’s nose at the breast but not touching. Your baby’s mouth should cover more of the areola with her lower lip than her upper lip; your baby’s head should be slightly tilted, and she should finish the feed reasonably content.
While most mothers are able to provide their babies with all the nourishment and milk they need, there are some situations when a baby may not be getting adequate amounts of milk. If you have any concerns regarding your baby and breastfeeding, you should contact a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or/and your health practitioner.
