Having assisted many new mothers and babies with early breastfeedings, I have frequently heard a common concern – “How will I know that my baby is getting enough milk because I can’t see how much my baby takes in during a breastfeeding?”

To answer this question here are a few signs to watch for during early feedings that will help answer this very important question:

• Your baby will “actively” feed at the breast in a suckle pattern with some brief pausing (swallow and breathing time).  Babies need to be awake and interested in nursing in order to feed long enough to take a good feeding from the breast.

• You will hear your baby occasionally swallow during breastfeeding.  During the feed, your baby’s sucking will produce several ‘let-downs’ when the milk comes out faster - your baby will have corresponding swallows that can actually be heard during this let-down period.  It might sound like someone drinking liquid quickly from a glass.

• You should feel a strong tugging sensation during breastfeeding without discomfort.  If you have ever used a breast pump, it is a similar sensation.

• Your baby has breastfed for a good length of time and appears content after nursing. Most babies breastfeed for 10-20 minutes on the first breast and then become sleepier.  As the baby’s suck pattern becomes slower and sleepier, give your breast a gentle squeeze.  Some babies will begin nursing again for a few more minutes. Other babies stay sleepy and might even take themselves off the breast.  Offer the second breast unless instructed to do otherwise by a healthcare professional who has observed you breastfeeding your baby.  Many babies need the second side to help the nursing be a full feeding amount.  Some mothers make enough milk on one side, and their babies tend to nurse on one breast only for a full feeding.

• The number of wet and dirty diapers will let you know that the baby is taking in “enough’ milk.  Think of it as “what goes in, must come out”.  So if enough breastmilk is “going in, then the right numbers will come out”.   Breastfed babies who are 6 weeks to 3 months old should be having at least 6 to 8 wet diapers per 24 hours and 1 mustard colored stool every 1-4 days.

Age	No. of wet diapers in 24 hours	No. of stools in 24 hours
5 days to 4-6 weeks	6-8	3 or more yellowy mustard colored
6 weeks to 3 months	6-8	1 yellowy mustard colored *Can change to 1 every few days

Get professional help if you observe any of the following:

• Your baby has missed two feeds.
• Your baby is having only a few or no wet or dirty diapers.

Find a trusted healthcare professional such as a lactation consultant, nurse, doctor, and/or a LLL members who can help you.  For many new mothers, finding answers to common questions increases their confidence during this special time of learning to feed their baby.   Congratulations of choosing the healthiest method of feeding for you and your baby!

By Linda Yandell Smith RN, MSN, IBCLC Co-author of Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom.

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