Wondering if your baby is getting enough breastmilk is a common question of many breastfeeding parents. So, how do you know if your baby is getting enough?
There are several signs you can look for to help you know if your baby is getting enough. These signs include:
- Paying attention to how many wet and dirty diapers your baby has OR
- Making sure that your baby is gaining weight (Note: While most parents do not have a baby scale at home, most pediatricians will allow you to come in and do a weight check on your baby)
There are some common misconceptions about this topic as well. You may hear to worry about the things below, but we promise you don’t need to. Here are some things that you shouldn’t sweat when breastfeeding:
- How your breast feels after nursing your baby. As your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs, your breast will feel softer and less full. This does not mean that you have a low milk supply.
- If your baby is nursing for shorter periods, such as five minutes on each breast.
- If your baby is cluster feeding. This is not a sign of low milk supply. Cluster feeding is when your baby often feeds for longer than normal. This tends to happen in the evening or because your baby is hitting a growth spurt.
- If you are not getting much milk out when you express. Your baby can get more milk out themselves versus hand expressing or pumping.
If you’re worried about your milk supply decreasing and contributing to your baby not getting enough milk, here are some reasons why your milk supply might be failing:
- You have limited your baby’s breastfeeding sessions. Keep in mind that you should feed your baby on demand. The more milk you get rid of, the more you make.
- You are giving your baby formula instead of breast milk.
- You are introducing solid foods before your baby is 4-6 months.
- You are taking medicine such as birth control.
- You are not getting enough sleep.
- You are drinking alcohol or smoking.
- You have had breast surgery.
Read our other blog on How to Increase Your Milk Supply!
It’s okay to have questions about breastfeeding! If you have more questions or want more support with breastfeeding, you can always reach out to one of our Family Support Navigators at navigation@familyfutures.net.
