Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?

It seems as though every breastfeeding mom questions this at some point in their nursing journey. It often happens at the beginning when breastfeeding is getting established, but it also happens intermittently when we notice a dip in supply or when baby is sick. Here’s a guideline to help put your worries to the side.

From the beginning

When you first bring a newborn home and your milk hasn’t fully “come in” yet, how do we know if your baby is hydrated enough?

• Diaper count: on day 1 of life, expect at least 1 wet diaper. On day 2, 2 wet diapers. Day 3, 3 wet diapers. Etc. By day 5, most women will have had their milk fully come in and there should be at least 6 wet diapers in a day.
• Frequent nursing: newborns should nurse often, AT LEAST every 2-3 hours
• Stools: your baby’s stool should transition from meconium (sticky green-black) to yellow and seedy texture by day 5 of life
• Weight gain: AFTER the first week of life, your baby steadily gains weight. Please note that it is NORMAL and expected that they lose weight during the first week.
• Audible swallowing: you should be able to hear and visualize your baby swallowing milk
• Moist lips and mucous membranes
• Contentment after feeding
• Feeling your breasts have emptied after feeding
• Good latch: always observe for a good latch. See my previous post on latching your baby!

Did my supply dip?

It is very normal to experience occasional dips in your supply. Your menstrual cycle, hormones, stress, being away from your baby…..there’s TONS of reasons for it. Fortunately, most of these dips are very temporary and your supply should come back up. If your baby is still having a good diaper count, is still latching and nursing well, is still gaining weight, and is still happy…..you’re solid. Simply latch your baby as much as you can, drink more water, and maybe throw some extra oats in your diet for a couple days. You should notice your supply being back to normal in no time.

Check out my post about how to increase milk supply if you are truly concerned!

Happy baby, happy mama! 🥛🥛 Xoxoxo