I’ve seen all the recommendations for how much milk a baby should eat at each stage, but I’m exclusively breastfeeding and don’t measure out how much my baby gets. How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? How do I know if I’m producing enough milk or if I need to supplement? 

Pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting all come with their fair share of anxieties. One common anxiety we hear frequently, but isn’t talked about enough, is the anxiety surrounding milk production. How can we reassure ourselves (or our friends or family) that the baby is getting enough milk? How can we quiet that anxiety spiral that insists we might not be producing enough?

The reality is that the number of people who don’t have the correct anatomy to make enough milk is actually pretty small. Most of the time. issues arise with the feeding themselves- whether it’s a latching issue, external stressors, medications, lip or tongue tie, or other factors affecting supply. Because breast milk is a hormonal process of the body, if the body isn’t responsive to the hormones or there are hormonal imbalances, sometimes we might also see supply impacted. 

Milk supply is based on a positive feedback loop. The more milk that is removed from the breasts, the more milk the body will be signaled to produce. The average healthy newborn will need between 8-12 feedings in a 24 hour period. How long the baby will nurse for each feeding is really dependent on the baby; some babies become very efficient at removing milk from the breast in a short amount of time, while others might lazily snack for long periods of time, especially if they are easily distracted. 

Ultimately breastfeeding is a dance between the parent and the baby. Sometimes this dance can be a little tricky to figure out at first, but with time, it usually finds it’s own unique rhythm. As your baby grows and changes, you’ll likely find that their feeding needs change with them. During major developmental leaps or milestones, it’s normal for your baby to want to feed more frequently or for longer (both for the nutrients and for the comfort). 

Signs Baby is Getting Enough Milk

• You can hear your baby sucking and swallowing during a feeding.

• Your baby’s cheeks are rounded while feeding (they’re not sucked in or hollowed out).

• The baby seems relaxed and calm both during the feeding and immediately after.

• Your baby is gaining weight. 

• Your breast feels soft after a feeding. 

• Your baby has a number of dirty diapers throughout the day. 

• You might feel sleepy or relaxed yourself after a feeding (thanks hormones!).

At the end of the day, you know your body and your baby best. If you’re feeling concerned, reach out! Our infant feeding specialists are happy to discuss what support looks like and how it might change with the changing needs of you and your baby.