How do I know if my breastfed baby is getting enough milk?!

How do I know if my breastfed baby is getting enough milk?!

This is one of the most common questions I get asked, primarily (weirdly enough) from grandparents concerned their grandson or granddaughter isn’t getting enough milk in the first few days after birth.

After the first 24 hours of life- here are some tips (though if you have ANY concerns, you should see a health professional immediately).

1.) Babe should have 6-10 breastfeeds within a 24 hour period. Baby should be feeding 3-4 hourly or more frequently (ON DEMAND IS BEST).

2.) Observe your baby feeding, watch the speed at which they suck and also watch their throat- you will see your baby swallow. Initially baby sucks fast, this helps your body to have a ‘let down’, once milk starts to flow fast babe will slow their sucking down and you’ll see swallows every few sucks! 

3.) Babe is generally content and calm (milk drunk) after a good feed and goes off to sleep 

4.) Baby starts to put weight on. Initially babies lose weight, its acceptable for them (depending on hospital policy) to lose roughly 10% of their body weight in the first 72 hours of life. After this, they will start gaining weight and this should be monitored by a health professional at your local early childhood centre or by your paediatrician.

5.) After the initial few days (after birth), baby will start having 5-6 heavy wet nappies (urine)

6.) Baby’s poo’s start to change colour and become softer as your milk comes in, this is a great sign that baby is getting a good amount of milk!

If you have any concerns about babies attachment or breastfeeding, there are amazing resources online and on the phone.

If you are in Australia, look at your closest Early Childhood Centre. They normally have a lactation consultant 1-2 times a week for drop in sessions which is a great option. Another amazing resource is the Australian Breastfeeding association.

Their website: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

Their phone number: 1800 686 268

Photos by the incredible @wildheart_mama