One of the most common worries for new moms is whether her baby is getting enough milk. Since you can’t see ounces the way you can with a bottle, you have to rely on your baby’s behavior and growth. The good news: healthy babies are usually very good at signaling what they need. Here are the signs that breastfeeding is working.
Feeding Frequency: What’s Normal
Newborns eat often, and that’s healthy. Their stomachs are tiny, and breast milk digests quickly.
Typical feeding patterns:
Days 1–7: About 8 to 12 feedings per 24 hours. Some babies cluster feed, which means they nurse very frequently for a few hours.
Weeks 2–6: Still usually 8–12 times per day, though sessions may become more efficient.
After 6 weeks: Frequency can vary, but most babies continue feeding 8–10 times per day.
If your baby wants to nurse more often, it doesn’t necessarily mean your supply is low. Growth spurts (around 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months) can temporarily increase feeding frequency.
Diaper Output: Your Most Reliable Daily Clue
What goes in must come out. Diaper changes tell you a lot about how feeding is going.
In the first week, the minimum amounts a baby should have:
Day 1: 1 wet diaper, 1 meconium stool.
Day 2: 2 wets, 2 stools.
Day 3: 3 wets, 3 stools.
Day 4: 4 wets, 3–4 yellowish stools.
After the first week:
Wet diapers: At least 6 heavy wets per 24 hours.
Stools: At least 3–4 yellow, loose stools per day for most exclusively breastfed babies. Some older breastfed babies may stool less often as digestion becomes very efficient, but during the newborn phase, daily stools are expected.
Weight Gain: The Big Picture Indicator
Weight gain is the clearest long-term sign that breastfeeding is going well.
Normal weight patterns:
Initial weight loss: Babies typically lose up to 7–10% of birth weight in the first few days.
Regain birth weight: Usually by 10–14 days of life.
After regaining: Expected gain is about 5–7 ounces (150–200 g) per week for the first 2–3 months.
Your pediatrician will track this at each visit. As long as your baby is following a healthy curve, you’re doing exactly what you need to.
Other Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
You can hear or see rhythmic sucking and swallowing.
Baby seems relaxed and content after feeds.
Breasts feel softer after nursing.
Baby has good muscle tone and alert periods.
When to Reach Out for Help
It’s smart to check in with a pediatrician or lactation consultant if:
Your baby isn’t having enough wet or dirty diapers.
Feedings are consistently painful.
Baby isn’t gaining weight as expected.
Nursing sessions are either extremely short (under 5 minutes every time) or excessively long with little swallowing.
Breastfeeding takes practice for both mom and baby, and you’re not supposed to figure it out alone. A lactation consultant can help assess a mom’s latch for efficiency and demonstrate how to achieve a deep latch and also how to maximize a mom’s milk supply. A lactation consultant can also assess a baby’s ability to transfer milk efficiently. If something feels off, support is here with the lactation consultants from The Confident Latch.