Signs that your baby is getting enough breastmilk

How often should I breastfeed my baby?

Let your baby be your guide. Feed him as often as he wants. You don't need to try to set up a feeding routine during the first few days and weeks.

Once the first sleepy day or two have passed, your baby may seem hungry most of the time. And he probably is, since he'll digest a feed within a couple of hours.

Your baby will probably want to breastfeed eight to 15 times a day for the first one or two days. By the end of the first week this will probably have settled down to six to eight times a day.

Your baby may actually lose weight when he's weighed before being discharged from the hospital. But this doesn't mean he's not getting enough milk. Newborns normally lose between five per cent and 10 per cent of their birth weight in the first three days.

After a few days your baby should start to gain weight again. If he is weighed at five to seven days, you should be able to see that he is starting to grow.

How can I tell if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?

If you notice these signs, then your baby should be getting enough milk:

• Your baby's doctor is satisfied with how much weight your baby has put on since birth.
• Your baby is feeding at least six to eight times a day and is content after a feed.
• Breastfeeding feels comfortable and painless.
• Your breasts feel emptier and softer after feeds.
• Your baby looks healthy and has firm skin which bounces right back if you pinch it gently.
• Your baby is passing enough urine. He should have at least six to eight wet nappies every 24 hours, once he's more than five days old. Your baby's urine should be pale and odourless.
• You can see and hear your baby swallow while he is feeding, and he seems to be latched on properly.
• Your baby changes rhythm while sucking and pauses during feeds. He should start feeding again when he's ready, and come off your breast spontaneously when he's finished.
• Your baby's stool is a yellowy-mustard colour by the time he is five days old.

What are the signs that my baby isn't getting enough breastmilk?

If your baby isn't getting enough milk, you'll notice one or more of these signs:

• Your baby doesn't regain his birth weight and doesn't put on enough weight after the first few days.
• Your breasts don't feel softer after feeds.
• Your baby is unsettled after feeds.
• Your baby wants to feed constantly.
• Your baby is sleepy or crying most of the time.
• Your baby has sunken cheeks or makes clicking noises while breastfeeding. This is a sign that your baby is not latched on properly. Get help from your doctor or infant feeding specialist to make sure your technique is right.
• Your baby is passing urine less than six to eight times in a 24-hour period after he's five days old.
• His skin becomes more yellow, instead of less, after the first week.
• Your baby's skin remains wrinkled after the first week.

If you're concerned about any of these signs, call your doctor.

One of the hardest things about settling into breastfeeding is feeling confident that you're giving your baby enough milk. If you want reassurance, don't hesitate to ask for help from your doctor. If you're worried that your breastmilk supply is low, reading about foods that help increase breastmilk may help.