(Written by an IBCLC who has supported a lot of mums who were up at 3am, phones in hand, frantically Googling this exact question)
Right. Let’s talk about the question that keeps more new mums awake than almost anything else.
“Is my baby actually getting enough milk?”
If you’ve found yourself watching every feed like a hawk, counting every nappy, and analysing every cry for clues, firstly – you are completely normal. And secondly – I’ve got you.
The tricky thing about breastfeeding is that unlike bottle feeding, you can’t see how much milk your baby is taking. So your brain, bless it, fills in the gaps. Usually with worst-case scenarios.
“They’re feeding again – does that mean I don’t have enough?”
“My breasts feel softer today – has my milk gone?”
“They seem a bit fussy – are they still hungry?”
Most of the time, these are completely normal breastfeeding behaviours – not signs that something is wrong. But I know “probably fine” isn’t always enough when you’re the one sitting there worrying. So here are the actual signs to look for.
What you’ll learn
- The most reliable signs baby is getting enough
- What’s normal vs not
- When to worry
- What to do next
The most reliable signs your baby is getting enough milk
These matter far more than how long your baby feeds for, or how often. Please do not time your feeds. I beg you.
1. Wet and dirty nappies
This is one of the most reliable indicators we have, so it’s worth paying attention to. Here’s what to expect for both wet and dirty nappies in the early days:
Wet nappies:
- Days 1 to 2: at least 1 to 2 wet nappies
- Days 3 to 4: at least 3 wet nappies, which will start to feel heavier
- Day 5 onwards: at least 5 to 6 heavy wet nappies per day
Not sure if a nappy counts as heavy enough? Pour three tablespoons of water into a clean nappy and pick it up – that’s roughly what you’re aiming for.
Dirty nappies and what colour to expect:
- Days 1 to 4: dark green or black, sticky poos called meconium – completely normal, even if they look alarming
- Days 4 to 7: transitioning from black/green to a brown/green/yellow colour – this is called a changing stool and means your milk is coming in
- Day 7 onwards: yellow, soft and seedy – breastfed baby poos are often quite runny and surprisingly don’t smell much (enjoy that while it lasts)
In the early weeks, aim for at least 2 dirty nappies per day. Breastfed babies often poo after every feed, so you may well see more than that. If you’re ever unsure, your midwife or health visitor can help you check.
2. Weight gain
It is completely normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first few days after birth – this is expected, and nothing to panic about. After that initial dip, weight should start to increase, and most babies are back to their birth weight by around 10 to 14 days. Steady weight gain after that point is a really reassuring sign that feeding is working well.
3. You can hear or see swallowing during feeds
During a feed, keep an eye (and ear) out for pauses in sucking, a soft little “kah” sound, and visible jaw movement. These are signs your baby is actively taking milk in, not just using you as a human dummy (even if it sometimes feels that way).
4. Some settled periods across the day
Not every feed will end with a peaceful, milk-drunk baby gazing serenely up at you. But across the day, you should see some periods where your baby seems content. Constant distress after every single feed is worth getting checked out.
Things that look worrying but usually aren’t
This is where most mums get caught out, and honestly, I’d love to shout this from the rooftops.
Feeding very frequently
Newborns often feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours – sometimes more. Cluster feeding, where your baby seems to be feeding almost constantly for a stretch of a few hours, is also completely normal. It is not a sign you’re running low. It’s actually your baby doing exactly the right thing to build your supply.
Fussiness at the breast
Babies come on and off the breast, cry during feeds, and seem generally unsettled sometimes. This does not automatically mean low milk supply. Babies are just a bit unpredictable, especially in the early weeks.
Softer breasts
In the early days, your breasts may feel very full and quite firm. After a few weeks, they often feel much softer. I promise this is not your milk disappearing. It usually means your supply is settling and regulating to your baby’s needs – which is actually a good thing.
Signs that are worth taking seriously
There are some signs that do warrant a closer look, particularly if you’re seeing several of them together:
- Fewer wet nappies than expected for their age
- Little or no weight gain
- A very sleepy baby who isn’t waking for feeds or feeding effectively
- No swallowing sounds during feeds
- Long feeds with no signs of satisfaction afterwards
If any of these are ringing a bell, please do reach out for support sooner rather than later. This is exactly the kind of thing that’s much easier to sort early on.
What actually causes low milk supply
Low supply is rarely just bad luck. The most common causes I see in my work as an IBCLC are:
- An ineffective latch
- Infrequent feeding
- Milk not being removed well
- Long gaps between feeds introduced too early
This is why getting latch right from the start, and feeding responsively in those early weeks, matters so much. If you’re not sure what a good latch actually looks like, you can take a look at my step-by-step video course to getting a deep, pain-free latch.
So what should you actually do if you’re worried?
Start by checking the basics:
- Are the nappies looking good?
- Is weight gain on track?
- Can you hear swallowing during feeds?
And then – please get support early. Have a feed observed by someone who knows what they’re looking at. Get your latch assessed. You do not need to wait until things feel much worse before asking for help. That’s what midwives, health visitors, and IBCLCs are here for.
Want to feel confident about your milk supply from the start?
This is exactly what I teach inside my Ultimate Breastfeeding course. Because worrying about every single feed is exhausting, and most of it is avoidable with the right information beforehand. Inside, you’ll learn:
- How milk supply actually works
- How to build a full supply from day one
- How to spot problems early
- What to do if things don’t go to plan
So you’re not second-guessing every feed. The Ultimate Breastfeeding course also includes Latching 101 and Pumping When Breastfeeding, so you’ve got everything covered in one place. You can start the Prepare for Breastfeeding course here and go into it feeling properly prepared.
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