Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk Timely

Did you know that Elisabeth Anderson Sierra, a lady from the United States produces approximately 6.65 L of breast milk per day, which is nearly 8 to 10 times the amount produced by an average mother? Not wanting this surplus to go to waste, she chose to help other mothers by donating her extra breast milk.

For breastfeeding moms, the worry of not producing enough breast milk is quite common. Unlike bottle feeding where you can measure the exact amount your baby consumes, breastfeeding lacks a measurement system. However, there are clear signs that indicate whether your baby is getting enough breast milk or not and it is very important to have a record of this to maintain the good health of your baby.

So let’s explore these signs step by step to get to know whether your baby is getting enough breast milk or not.

Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk!

1. Baby’s Weight Gain is the Best Sign

In the initial days of life, it is normal for a breastfed baby to lose up to 10% of their body weight. But, after this period, a steady weight gain becomes the most reliable indicator that your baby is receiving sufficient nutrition.

Other Signs to Look For:

1. Your newborn latches on and nurses regularly around every 2 to 3 hours or 8 to 12 times each day.
2. You change at least 6 to 8 wet diapers per day after the fifth day of life indicating your baby is well hydrated.
3. While breastfeeding, you can hear your baby swallowing and you can see breast milk in their mouth.
4. After nursing, your breasts feel softer indicating successful milk transfer to your baby.
5. Your child appears satisfied and content after feeding and they sleep well between feedings.

2. Bowel Movements

Initially, your baby will pass meconium which is a thick and dark green or black stool for the first few days. Subsequently, their bowel movements will turn greenish-yellow and then transition into a looser, mustard-yellow stool. It is normal for the stool pattern to change after the first few weeks. Some babies may have several bowel movements a day while others may go a few days without one. Breast milk is easily digested so fewer bowel movements are okay.

3. Growth Spurts

Your baby may go through growth spurts at various times characterized by increased breastfeeding frequency. These spurts are normal and temporary as they help stimulate your body to produce more milk to meet your baby’s growing needs.

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4. Changing Sleep Patterns

During the first two months, your baby should breastfeed every two to three hours even during the night. As they grow, some babies may start having longer stretches between feedings but every baby’s sleep pattern is different. It is not an indicator of insufficient breast milk. So do not feel tense if the duration of your baby’s breastfeeding is somehow different from other babies of his age.

Other Indicators to Identify:

1. Your baby will begin to feed with a few quick suckings, followed by long, rhythmic sucking and swallowing with occasional pauses.
2. You can hear and see your baby swallowing and their mouths look moist after feeding.
3. Your baby’s cheeks stay rounded, not hollow, during sucking.
4. They look calm and relaxed while feeding.
5. Your baby will wean itself from the breast at the end of breastfeeding and looks happy and content after most feedings.
6. Your breasts are softer after breastfeeding. Plus, your nipple looks more or less the same after breastfeeding – it’s not flattened, pinched, or white.
7. You may feel sleepy and relaxed after feeding.

Reference: NIH

Ways to increase breast milk production!

Ask your midwife, health visitor, or lactation specialist to monitor your baby’s feeding. They can offer guidance and support to help you properly position and attach your baby to the breast.

Avoid feeding baby bottles with formula for the first 6 months or dummies until breastfeeding is well established.

Feed your baby as often as they want and for as long as they want. Expressing some breast milk after breastfeeding once breastfeeding is established will help build up your supply.

Offer both breasts at each feeding and alternate which breast you start with.

Hold your baby close and hold them skin to skin. This will help you recognize early signs that your baby is ready for a feed before they start crying. It’s a heavenly bond between a child and a mom, cherish it!

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Things that can affect your milk production:

Lastly, these are some signs that can be a cause of your disappointment: 

1. Poor fixing and positioning.
2. You are not feeding your baby often enough.
3. Drinking alcohol and smoking while breastfeeding – can interfere with milk production.
4. Previous breast surgery, especially if your nipples have been moved.
5. After giving birth, you have to spend time away from your baby – for example, because it was premature.
6. Illness in you or your child.
7. Feeding baby bottles of formula or a dummy before breastfeeding is well established.
8. Using nipple shields – although this may be the only way to feed your baby with damaged nipples and is better than stopping feeding.
9. Certain medications, including dopamine, ergotamine, and pyridoxine. Read more about breastfeeding and medication.
10. Anxiety, stress, or depression.

With professional help, many of these problems can be solved. If you’re concerned about how much milk your baby is getting, it’s important to seek help early. Talk to your midwife, health visitor, or lactation specialist. They can also tell you where you can get further support to better the situation! 

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