How to Know Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk

How to Know Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk

January 6, 2025 Influencers
Kaylee Rabaja, IBCLC
breastfeedingHow to Know Your Baby Is
Getting Enough Breastmilk
Flower top shape
Flower Bottom shape

Many parents worry if their baby is getting enough breastmilk.

The good news is your baby will give you signs.

Here are some simple ways to tell:

  • Steady Weight Gain
    • Most babies lose a little weight in the first few days after birth.
    • After the first few days, your baby should start gaining about 5-7 ounces of weight per week. Your baby’s doctor will check their weight at each visit.
  • Wet and Dirty Diapers
    • A breastfed newborn baby should have at least 2 poopy diapers and at least 6 wet diapers each day.
    • By the time your baby is 5–7 days old, they should have at least 6 wet diapers and 3–4 dirty diapers each day.
    • Wet diapers show your baby is getting enough fluids (breastmilk).
  • Baby’s Behavior
    • After feeding, your baby should look relaxed and seem calm and satisfied.
    • If your baby is still fussy right after eating, they may still be hungry.
  • Getting a Good Latch
    • The deeper your baby can latch, the more milk they’re going to be able to get out.
    • While nursing, listen and look for swallowing. This means milk is going in.

Support is Available!

Call your local WIC office, breastfeeding peer counselor, or your baby’s doctor if:

  • Your baby has fewer wet or dirty diapers than expected.
  • They aren’t gaining weight after their first few days after birth.
  • They seem very sleepy and are hard to wake for feedings.
  • You have questions or concerns about breastfeeding your baby.
Remember:

Every baby is different and so is every breastfeeding journey.
Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

You’ve got this!

Mom feeding shape

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position