How to Tell If Your Breastfed Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Clear signs to ease your mind and trust your body

One of the most common questions I hear from breastfeeding mums is:
“How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?”

It’s such a valid question and completely understandable. With bottle feeding, you can measure every feed and know exactly how much your baby is drinking. But with breastfeeding, it’s more about learning to trust the signs your baby gives you, and your own intuition. Still, in those early days when everything is new, it’s natural to second-guess.

The good news? There are several clear, reliable signs that can offer peace of mind and help you feel confident that your baby is feeding well.

1. Look at Your Baby - Not the Clock

In the early days and weeks, it’s completely normal for feeds to feel frequent, unpredictable, and even a little chaotic. Your baby’s tummy is tiny, their needs are evolving rapidly, and they’re adjusting to life outside the womb.

Trying to stick to a strict schedule can create more stress than reassurance.

What matters most is that:

• Your baby is feeding on demand (i.e. when they actually want a feed)

• They’re showing signs of hunger (like rooting, sucking, or hand-to-mouth movements)

• They’re settling after most feeds

Every baby is different, and feeding every 2–3 hours - or more during growth spurts - is entirely normal.

Some babies may clusterfeed and have heaps of feeds in a short time and then have a larger break, this is okay! Just follow your babies cues.

2. Watch Their Mood Between Feeds

It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that crying equals hunger. But that’s not always the case.

✔️ If your baby is alert, calm, and generally content between feeds, that’s a great sign they’re getting what they need.
✔️ Short periods of fussiness are normal - babies cry for many reasons, including being tired, overstimulated, or needing comfort.

Try to tune into your baby’s overall behaviour over the course of a day rather than focusing on one moment.

3. Count the Wet and Dirty Nappies

What goes in must come out and nappies are one of the best day-to-day indicators that your baby is feeding well.

Here’s what to look for:

• By day 5, your baby should be having at least 6 wet nappies a day

• Wet nappies should be pale yellow and heavy with urine

• Poo will change from sticky black meconium to a mustard yellow colour by the end of the first week

If you’re seeing these signs, it means your baby is likely getting enough milk.

4. Monitor Weight Gain (But Don’t Obsess)

It’s perfectly normal for babies to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days. They should regain that weight by 1-2 weeks of age, and then continue to gain steadily.

Your healthcare provider will keep an eye on weight gain at routine checks and that’s really helpful. But daily weigh-ins at home are unnecessary unless advised, and can cause more stress than support.

Focus on the trend, not the number. If your baby is growing, alert, and having wet nappies - you’re on track.

5. Understand That Small, Frequent Feeds Are Normal

Your baby’s stomach at birth is roughly the size of a cherry. By day 10, it’s about the size of a walnut.

So it makes sense that your baby will need small, frequent feeds - especially in those first weeks.

Breastmilk is also very easy for your baby to digest which can also lead to frequent feeding.

Some mums worry their baby is feeding “too often,” but this is rarely a sign of low supply. More likely, your baby is:

• Seeking comfort

• Going through a growth spurt

• Just doing what newborns do!

This is all part of the normal process of establishing breastfeeding and building your milk supply.

6. Trust Your Baby and Yourself

Breastfeeding isn’t a precise science - it’s a relationship. It’s built on cues, connection, and time.

If your baby is feeding often, seems settled between feeds, has plenty of wet and dirty nappies, and is growing steadily - you can feel reassured they’re getting enough.

And if you’re ever unsure? That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re a caring, attentive parent.

When to Seek Extra Support

While most breastfeeding challenges are normal and can be worked through, it’s always okay to seek help - especially if you notice:

• Fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after day 5

• Baby isn’t back to birth weight by two weeks

• Baby seems very sleepy, lethargic, or struggles to latch

• You’re in pain or feeling anxious about feeding

Early support makes all the difference. You don’t need to wait for something to be “wrong” to ask questions or get guidance.

Feeding Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery - You Deserve Support

If you're still feeling unsure, or you just want someone to walk you through your feeding options, you’re not alone.

Inside my course, Beyond Birth: The Postnatal Essentials, you’ll find calm, compassionate guidance on all aspects of feeding - whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding or both.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to read your baby’s cues
✔️ How to know when feeding is going well
✔️ What to do when something doesn’t feel right
✔️ How to support your own recovery and wellbeing while feeding

You and your baby deserve to feel safe, supported, and seen during this journey. Let’s take the mystery out of feeding - together.

You will also learn all things newborn care, recovery from birth and postpartum mental health.

Final Thoughts: You’re Already Doing an Amazing Job 💕

Feeding your baby is an act of love - no matter how it looks.

If your baby is growing, producing wet nappies, and seems content most of the time - that’s your reassurance.

And if something feels off? Trust that too. Ask questions. Get support. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

You're learning together, one feed at a time and you're doing beautifully.

I'm here for you,
Tam xx