How to Know if Baby is Getting Enough Breastmilk?

It is hard to know if baby is getting enough milk when you are breastfeeding - its not like you have a bottle gauge to view the quantity!

It is normal for newborns to loose weight in the first few days following birth, but most babies gain weight to go back up to their original birth weight after the first 2 weeks. After that, babies usually gain around 100 grams to 200 grams a week, for the first few months.

In the first weeks after birth, most babies will need to have around eight + breast feeds in a 24 hour period.

Breastfeeding times may not be evenly spaced throughout the day. It is very common for babies to have cluster feeds in the evening.

Initially, newborn babies will have around six wet nappies per day, at around 1-2 bowel motions a day, until they get to around 6 weeks of age. This shows that baby is getting plenty of breast milk. After then the number of nappy changes will decrease a little.

If baby gets a good feed of breast milk, then baby will sleep well and feed well, and eventually the number of times that you have to feed baby during the day/night will drop back and you will get into a routine.

A baby who is wetting nappies frequently, gaining weight, and thriving is getting enough milk.

By 8 or 9 weeks of age, a baby will start going longer between feeding times.

By 12 weeks of age, baby will probably be in a pattern of around six breastfeeds during a 24 hour period. Though this number will be different depending on the size of your baby etc.

But if you are not sure - you should seek advice from your midwife, plunket nurse, doctor or medical professional.

For more information about breastfeeding, view our website