Is my baby getting enough milk?

The essentials

Nappies

Expect 5 or more wet nappies and 2 or more yellow, seedy poos a day by day 5, on average. Urate crystals (red staining in the nappy) can be a sign of dehydration if they appear after the first few days of life. If your milk is delayed coming in, you may see slightly fewer wet or dirty nappies by day 5 – please consult a health professional for further guidance.

Weight gain

Babies typically lose weight in the first week or so of life, then should regain their birth weight by around 14 days. If your baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight, consult a health professional – they will carry out physical checks on your newborn for signs of dehydration and advise you appropriately.

Feeding well

Look for feeding frequency of 8–12 feeds (or more) per 24 hours, which is normal, steady sucking and swallowing sounds during feeds, and a baby who seems content after most feeds – not every time, but most.

Red flags

Get help if your baby has fewer than 5 wet nappies a day after day 5, no poo in 24 hours after the first week, is always sleepy and hard to rouse, or has a painful, ineffective latch.

Breasts feel softer after a feed

Once the initial engorgement subsides, your breasts may feel softer or 'empty' after a breastfeed – this is a good thing, and it tells you your baby is emptying the breast when feeding. After a few weeks your breasts should feel more soft and comfortable; that doesn't mean your supply is dropping, just that you and your baby have regulated it.

Can't pump much milk

Pumping output isn't an accurate indicator of your supply – how much you're able to pump in one session isn't necessarily how much milk your baby receives at a feed. Babies are always more effective milk extractors than pumps, and it's normal to need two, three, or more pumping sessions to get enough for one bottle feed.