How to Know if Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk

One of the most challenging parts of caring for a tiny newborn is knowing whether they’re getting enough milk — especially if you’re breastfeeding and can’t see how much they’re taking in. The good news is that nearly all women can produce enough milk, and breast milk is perfectly tailored to meet your baby’s needs. For most families, there’s no need to worry — but if you’re unsure, these signs can help reassure you that your baby is feeding well and getting everything she needs.

1. Your Baby Feeds Frequently

Each baby has a unique feeding pattern — some prefer fewer but longer feeds, while others take smaller amounts very frequently, especially in the early days. During the first few weeks, you can expect your baby to feed 8 to 12 times or more in 24 hours, including plenty of feeds during the night. It’s also completely normal for babies to cluster feed at certain times, often in the evenings or during growth spurts, which helps boost your milk supply.

2. Your Baby Has Regular Wet and Dirty Diapers

In the first few days, your baby’s diaper output increases steadily. By day 5, your baby should be having at least 6 heavy wet diapers each day and 3 to 5 mustard-yellow stools. The stools should be soft, seedy, and no longer dark or tar-like. These are reassuring signs that your baby is taking in enough milk and that your milk has transitioned from colostrum to mature milk.

3. You Can See and Hear Your Baby Swallowing

In the first few days, you should be able to see your baby’s jaw moving as they suck and swallow during a feed. By around day five, you’ll likely be able to hear the swallowing sounds as well. You’ll notice that the rhythm changes throughout the feed — starting with a few quick sucks, then settling into a steady suck-and-swallow pattern, and shifting again toward the end. This is all perfectly normal. Even when your baby is doing lots of gentle sucking without many swallows later in the feed, it can still be useful and soothing. However, if you hear a clicking sound, it could mean that your baby’s latch isn’t quite right — and it may be helpful to reach out to a professional for support.

4. Feeding Should Feel Comfortable

Your baby should usually come off the breast by herself when she’s finished feeding, and you may notice some milk around her mouth or a relaxed, sleepy expression. If she stays latched on—even if it seems like she’s just comfort sucking—she might still be hungry, so it’s fine to offer the other side or let her continue.

While the first few seconds of a feed can feel intense or uncomfortable as your milk lets down, feeding shouldn’t hurt. You don’t need to toughen up your nipples, and they shouldn’t be cracked, misshapen, or painful after feeds. If you do find that feeding hurts beyond those first moments, don’t just try to get through it. Pain is often a sign that something isn’t quite right, and usually, a small adjustment to your baby’s latch or your positioning can make a big difference.

 5. Your Baby Seems Content and Alert

Of course, no baby is content all the time — it’s normal for them to get a bit fussy just before a feed or grumpy when they’re tired. But in general, you want your baby to be calm and relaxed during feeds, and to seem satisfied and settled afterwards. A baby who is feeding well will often have a soft, relaxed body, open hands, and a sleepy or calm look after a feed.

You should also notice that your baby looks a healthy colour — not too red or yellow — and has periods of alertness, where they are awake, responsive, and looking around. If your baby seems unusually sleepy or floppy, or if their eyes or skin appear dull or an unusual colour, it’s always best to trust your instincts and speak to a healthcare professional.

6. Your Baby Is Gaining Weight

It’s normal for babies to loose 7% of their birth weight in the first few days but they should start gaining again when your milk supply increases around day 4 or 5, and most are back to their birth weight by the time they are two weeks old. After that some will follow a centile line on the growth chart, some will slowly move up the chart and some bigger babies will move down a little. So long as your baby is gaining weight it’s all perfectly normal.

7. When to Seek Help

As your Maternity Nurse (non-med) and Master Newborn Care Specialist®, I’m here to support and guide you through the early days of feeding — from getting started with breastfeeding to understanding your baby’s cues. Together, we can usually work through the common questions and challenges that come up in those first few weeks.

However, if feeding continues to feel difficult, or if something just doesn’t seem quite right, it’s important to reach out for additional support. You can speak to your doctor, your postnatal medical team, or a lactation consultant, such as a certified IBCLC. They can assess your baby’s latch, feeding behaviour, and overall growth in more detail. You can also find support from organisations like La Leche League, and search for an accredited breastfeeding counsellor or LLL Leader near you here.

Trust your instincts — you know your baby best.
If something feels off, it’s always okay to ask for help.

Martina The Maternity Nurse
Master Newborn Care Specialist®