Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?

One of the most common concerns for new mothers in Dubai (and around the world!) is whether their baby is getting enough breast milk, especially during the early days and weeks of breastfeeding. Since you can't physically measure the amount of milk your baby is consuming, it’s natural to feel anxious. However, there are signs that can help reassure you that your baby is getting enough breastmilk.

Key signs your baby is getting enough milk

1. Wet diapers/nappies:
A healthy, well-fed baby typically has six to eight wet diapers per day after the first few days. The urine should be light yellow and not too concentrated. Fewer wet diapers may suggest that your baby isn't getting enough fluids, so try to keep a record of how many wet\dirty diapers your baby is producing per day.

2. Weight gain:
In the initial days, most newborns lose a small amount of weight, but by around two weeks of age, they usually regain their birth weight. Consistent weight gain of about 150-200 grams (5-7 ounces) per week is a positive sign that your baby is getting sufficient breast milk. Remember to weigh your baby without clothes/nappy to ensure that you aren't weighing their clothes!

3. Fontanelles (soft spots):
Check the fontanelle on the top of your baby’s head. It should be flat or slightly curved inwards. If it appears sunken, this might indicate dehydration and that your baby isn’t getting enough milk.

4. Skin turgor:
Gently pinch the skin on your baby’s abdomen or thigh. It should spring back quickly. If the skin remains tented, this could also be a sign of dehydration, indicating insufficient milk intake.

5. Waking for feeds vs. sleeping and needing to be woken:
Newborns should regularly wake up for feeds, typically every 2-3 hours (sometimes more). If your baby is sleeping excessively and needs to be regularly woken for feeds, it could indicate they aren’t receiving enough milk.

6. Feeding frequency and cluster feeding:
A newborn typically breastfeeds 8-12 times in 24 hours. Cluster feeding—where your baby feeds more frequently over a few hours—is common and usually signals growth spurts rather than low milk supply. This is a question I am often asked about cluster feeding- does it mean I don't have enough milk? No- it usually means that baby is doing their job, which is to stimulate your body to produce more milk. Cluster feeding is especially common in the evening when your milk supply is at it's lowest.

7. Baby's general state:
A content, alert baby with a good skin tone and wet/dirty diapers is a strong indicator of sufficient milk intake. Conversely, a baby who is fussy, lethargic, or uninterested in feeding may not be getting enough milk.

Tips to ensure a good milk supply

1. Adequate nutrition & hydration:
In Dubai’s hot climate, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Your body requires extra calories and fluids to produce milk. Aim for a balanced diet rich in whole foods and drink water frequently, especially when breastfeeding.

2. Adequate rest:
Rest is vital for maintaining a healthy milk supply. Try to sleep in 4.5-hour blocks whenever possible, which aligns with your body’s natural sleep cycle and supports hormone regulation.

3. Skin-to-skin contact:
Skin-to-skin contact with your baby encourages breastfeeding by calming your baby and signalling your body to produce more milk. This practice is particularly beneficial immediately after birth but can be continued to stimulate milk production. Many mums stop this when they leave the hospital environment, but it is incredibly important for your milk supply and a really lovely thing to share with your baby.

4. Feeding on demand:
Respond to your baby’s hunger cues rather than following a strict schedule. Feeding on demand helps maintain and boost your milk supply, which is really important in the early stages of breastfeeding.

5. Feeding from both breasts:
Offer both breasts during each feeding session to ensure they are being emptied. This practice helps stimulate milk production by signalling to your brain that more milk is needed.

6. Don’t skip the overnight feed:
The milk-making hormone, prolactin, peaks between 1 am and 5 am. Skipping feeds during these hours can reduce your milk supply, so it’s important to continue feeding, even if you’re tired. It's super tempting to skip this feed if you have help with overnight feeding via a maternity nurse or nanny, but please try not to, at least in the first 4-6 weeks.

By understanding these signs and following these tips, you can be more confident in your breastfeeding journey. If you have any concerns about your baby’s milk intake or your milk supply, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. As a certified lactation consultant based in Dubai, I offer both in person and virtual consultations to help mothers worldwide with breastfeeding advice.

For more personalised support and guidance, book a consultation today, and let’s work together to ensure a healthy breastfeeding journey for you and your baby.

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