Breastfeeding Basics: How to Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
Introduction
One of the most common concerns new parents have is: “Is my baby getting enough milk?” Because you can’t see how much breast milk your baby is drinking, it can feel stressful and uncertain. The good news? Your baby’s body gives you clear signals to let you know they’re feeding well.
In this guide, we’ll cover the key signs your baby is getting enough milk, what’s considered “usual”, and when to seek extra support.
Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
1. Wet and Dirty Nappies - Wee & Poo
One of the simplest (and most reassuring) ways to know that breastfeeding is going well is by looking at your baby’s nappy output. It’s your baby’s way of showing you that milk is going in and everything inside is working beautifully - therefore it’s coming out!
Wet nappies: As your milk transitions and your let-down reflex becomes more established, your baby will take in more milk at each feed. By around Day 5, you can usually expect around 5-6 wet nappies in 24 hours. Their urine - a pale yellow — a sign your baby is well-hydrated and completing the feeds that they need.
Dirty nappies: Expect at least 2 soft, yellowish poos per day after the first week (though this can vary once breastfeeding is well established).
Every nappy is a little signal that your body and your baby are working together — your hormones releasing milk on cue, your baby responding with their sucking rhythm, and both of you learning each other more each day. You’re doing brilliantly.
2. Steady Weight Gain
Most babies lose a little weight in the first few days — it’s completely normal as they adjust to life outside the womb. As your milk transitions and your let-down reflex becomes more coordinated, they would hopefully begin to regain that weight by around day 5 and typically return to birth weight by about 2 weeks. From there, steady weight gain is a lovely sign that they’re getting everything they need.
3. Feeding Patterns
Newborns usually feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. It can feel constant — and that’s because frequent feeding is what tells your body to make and release more milk. Your hormones respond to your baby’s suckling, helping milk to flow through each let-down reflex. Signs of good milk transfer include:
Rhythmic sucking with little pauses for swallowing
Softened, relaxed hands and body after the feed
Baby coming off (or perhaps falling asleep at) the breast on their own when they’re done
This dance between you and your baby is how supply settles into the perfect amount for them.
4. Content and Alertness
After a satisfying feed, many babies look calm and content — sometimes drifting into that beautiful milk-drunk sleep. Between feeds, they should have moments of alertness and connection with you, showing interest in the world around them.
5. Breast Changes
You might notice your breasts feeling fuller before a feed and softer afterwards. That shift reflects milk being made, released, and taken — a reassuring sign of effective feeding and a well-working let-down.
Common Worries - Is This “Normal”?
“My baby feeds all the time — I must not have enough milk.”
“Frequent feeding is a healthy sign! Your baby is telling your body to keep the milk flowing, especially during growth spurts. Cluster feeding helps build and maintain your supply.”
“My baby doesn’t sleep through the night yet.”
“Night waking is pretty typical. Newborn tummies are tiny, and regular feeds — day and night — support their growth and development.”
“I can’t pump much milk, so I must have low supply.”
“Pumps don’t tell the full story. Babies are usually far more skilled at drawing milk out than a pump. Your supply is best measured by your baby’s growth and nappies, not the pump bottle.”
When to Seek Additional Support
Contact your midwife, health visitor, or a lactation consultant if:
Your baby has fewer than 5 wet nappies a day after day 5
They’re unusually sleepy or difficult to wake for feeds
They haven’t regained their birth weight by 2 weeks
You’re experiencing pain, cracked nipples, or concerns about latch
💡 Tip: Support groups like La Leche League, Breastfeeding Network or NCT groups, or local NHS breastfeeding clinics can provide encouragement and practical help.
Final Thoughts
Trusting your body and your baby takes time, but remember: your baby communicates through their nappies, behaviour, and weight gain. If those signs are positive, your milk supply is likely just what your little one needs. And if you’re ever unsure, reaching out for postpartum support can make all the difference.
FAQs: Breastfeeding Basics
Q1. How do I know if my newborn is hungry?
Look and listen for early cues like rooting around, sucking on hands, or restlessness — crying is usually a late sign.
Q2. Can I overfeed a breastfed baby?
No. Well babies naturally regulate their intake at the breast.
Q3. What if my baby wants to feed every hour?
This can be a typical during growth spurts or cluster feeding periods and helps boost your supply.
Q4. Do I need to time feeds on each breast?
Not necessarily. Let your baby finish one breast before offering the other to ensure they get their full meal (the idea of foremilk and hindmilk).
You might also enjoy:
- “Why Hiring a Doula Can Transform Your Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Experience”
