It’s one of the most common worries for new parents: “Is my baby getting enough breast milk?” Unlike bottle feeding, where you can measure every ounce, breastfeeding can feel uncertain - especially in the early days.
But here’s the good news: your body and your baby are equipped with built-in signals that can reassure you things are going well. You just need to know what to look for.
This guide will walk you through the key signs your baby is feeding well, how to monitor progress, and when to seek support so you can breastfeed with confidence and peace of mind.
Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Most people make enough milk to meet their baby’s needs. If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and producing plenty of wet and dirty nappies, then chances are you’re doing perfectly.
Key Signs That Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
1. Plenty of Wet and Dirty Nappies
Nappies are one of the best indicators of milk intake.
- Day 1–2: 1–2 wet nappies and black sticky meconium
- Day 3–4: 3–5 wet nappies and greenish poos
- Day 5–6+: 6 or more wet nappies and 2+ yellow, soft poos daily
If your baby’s nappies are on track, feeding is usually on track too.
2. Steady Weight Gain
- It’s normal for newborns to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days
- They should start regaining by day 5–7 and return to birth weight by 2 weeks
- After that, you’ll see steady, gradual weight gain
Not every baby will follow this exact pattern and most of the time that is okay, however, your midwife or health visitor will monitor this and let you know if there are concerns.
3. Rhythmic Swallowing During Feeds
Watch and listen during feeds:
- Your baby starts with rapid sucks to stimulate let-down
- Then slows to long, rhythmic sucks and swallows
- You may hear a gentle “kah” or “ahh” sound with each swallow
This is a great sign that milk is flowing and baby is feeding effectively.
4. Baby Feeds 8–12 Times in 24 Hours
Newborns feed frequently - that’s normal and necessary.
- Some feeds will be long, others short
- Some may cluster together, especially in the evenings
- Frequent feeding builds supply and provides comfort
You don’t need a strict schedule - feeding on demand is best.
5. Content Between Feeds
A well-fed baby will often:
- Come off the breast naturally when full
- Appear relaxed with open hands and a calm face
- Sleep for short stretches between feeds (though not always!)
Of course, babies cry for lots of reasons - being hungry is just one. Tiredness, discomfort, and needing closeness are also common.
Signs Baby May Not Be Getting Enough Milk
Check in with your midwife or health visitor if:
- Baby is still losing weight after 5 days
- Fewer than 6 wet nappies per day after day 6
- Poos remain dark or infrequent
- Baby seems sleepy or lethargic and hard to wake for feeds
- Feeds are very short or very long (under 5 or over 60 minutes) every time
- Nipples are sore and latch doesn’t feel right
These signs don’t always mean something is wrong but they’re worth exploring early.
How to Encourage Better Milk Intake
1. Check the Latch
Painful, shallow latch? Your baby may not be removing milk effectively.
- Wait for a wide-open mouth
- Bring baby to breast (not breast to baby)
- Try different positions like rugby hold or laid-back nursing
- Ask for a latch check from your midwife or lactation consultant
2. Offer Both Breasts at Each Feed
Once baby slows or stops on the first side, burp them and offer the second. Some babies only need one side but offering both ensures they have the option to feed more.
3. Use Breast Compression
While baby is feeding, gently squeeze the breast to encourage more milk flow especially if they get sleepy or fussy mid-feed.
4. Express to Top Up If Needed
If advised by your midwife, you can express milk to give by bottle if baby needs extra intake.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Staying hydrated, resting, and eating well all support milk production. Stress and exhaustion can slow let-down reflex so go easy on yourself.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Nappies don’t lie - check those first
- If you’re ever in doubt, ask for a feeding assessment from your midwife or reach out to a private lactation consultant
- Babies may want to feed again quickly - that’s OK
- Use breast compression for sleepy or distracted babies
It’s totally normal to worry whether your baby is getting enough milk but with the right signs to look for, you’ll feel more confident and reassured.
Breastfeeding is a learning curve for both of you. And you don’t have to do it alone. Trust your instincts, watch for the cues, and lean on your support system. You’re doing better than you think.
