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Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Writer's picture: Amanda HoAmanda Ho

If I had a dollar for every time a parent asked me, "Is my baby eating enough?" or "Am I making enough milk?"—I’d be able to buy a small island by now.


From the moment a baby is born, parents start questioning, doubting, and second-guessing. It’s completely normal. But somewhere along the way, feeding a baby became more about numbers and less about instincts.


I hear it all the time from dads, too:"With a bottle, I can see how much they’re drinking. But with the breast… we just don’t know."


As if raising babies is some new, experimental concept we’ve just started trying. For centuries, humans have fed their babies without measuring every drop. But in North America and other first-world countries, we’ve become obsessed with numbers—how many ounces, how many minutes, how many feeds per day? We expect schedules and precise routines.


But babies? Babies don’t work that way.


Your baby will tell you everything you need to know—if you know what to look for.


Baby weighed on a scale


1. Diapers Tell the Story

One of the easiest ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk is by looking at their diapers. What goes in must come out!


  • In the first few days, babies should have at least one wet diaper per day of life (1 on day 1, 2 on day 2, etc.).

  • By day 4-5, you should see at least 6+ wet diapers and 3+ yellow, seedy poops every 24 hours.

  • After the first month, some breastfed babies poop less often, but wet diapers should remain consistent.


If your baby is having enough wet and dirty diapers, your milk supply is doing its job!


2. Your Baby Is Swallowing at the Breast

When a baby is actively drinking, you’ll notice a slow, rhythmic suck-swallow-breathe pattern. Their jaw moves deeply, and you may hear soft swallows (a "kuh" or "ca" sound). If they’re just sucking quickly and fluttering at the breast without swallowing, they might be comfort nursing rather than taking in milk.


3. Your Breasts Feel Softer After Feeds

In the early days, when your milk first comes in, your breasts may feel full and firm before feeds. After your baby nurses effectively, they should feel softer. This is a sign that milk is being removed!


(However, as your supply regulates over time, your breasts may feel softer even before feeds—and that’s normal, too.)


4. Your Baby Seems Content After Feeding

A baby who is getting enough milk will usually relax at the breast, release on their own, and appear satisfied. Their hands may open up (instead of being clenched into fists), and they might have a calm, sleepy look.


Not every baby will sleep immediately after feeding, but if they seem relaxed and comfortable, they’re likely full.


Baby full and sleeping on mom


5. They’re Gaining Weight

Weight gain is one of the most reassuring signs that a baby is eating enough. While babies lose weight in the first few days (up to 7-10% of their birth weight is normal), they should:


  • Start gaining weight around day 4-5 once your milk transitions.

  • Regain birth weight by 10-14 days.

  • Gain about 5-7 ounces per week in the first months.


If your baby is gaining steadily, your milk is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.


6. They Wake Up to Feed (and Ask for More)

A hungry baby wakes up and asks to eat—often with early hunger cues like:

  • Rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth)

  • Sucking on hands

  • Stirring and squirming


Newborns typically feed 8-12 times in 24 hours (sometimes more!), and they will show you when they’re hungry.


7. Your Baby Is Alert & Meeting Milestones

A well-fed baby is active, alert, and developing as expected. If your baby is bright-eyed, interactive, and hitting their milestones (like lifting their head, responding to voices, and making eye contact), they’re getting what they need.


Cute baby girl smiling behind hand


 

Still Worried? Here’s When to Seek Help


It’s normal to have doubts, especially in the early days. But reach out for support if:


  • Your baby is not having enough wet or dirty diapers.

  • They are always sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds.

  • Feedings are painful or ineffective.

  • They are not gaining weight as expected.


Newborn feeding cheat sheet
Newborn Feeding Cheat Sheet by Best Start. Save it, print it, stick it on your fridge—whatever works to give you peace of mind. This reference will help you track feeds, diapers and what's actually normal in those early days.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re feeling unsure, book a consultation—I’d love to help you feel more confident in your feeding journey!

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