Do I have enough breast milk?

Do I have enough milk for my baby?

This is a common worry for many new breastfeeding mothers, and it’s completely normal! In those first few days after birth, you'll notice your little one wanting to breastfeed more frequently, and they might seem a bit fussy at times.

It’s essential to remember that this is a natural part of the breastfeeding process. As your baby’s demand increases, so will your milk supply. However, when you start to worry about your milk supply, it’s easy to be tempted to offer formula in a bottle. This can lead to a couple of challenges. At the first sign of difficulty, reach out for support locally from me at Hub City Doula; IBCLC and lead doula; Hollie Stockdale. Timely intervention by a qualified breastfeeding specialist, an IBCLC, is the key to a lasting milk supply and easy breastfeeding journey.

Firstly, bottles can fill your baby up, which means they might breastfeed less often. And when breastfeeding occurs less frequently, your milk production can decrease. Another aspect to consider is that breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are quite different experiences. The shape of a bottle nipple and the fast flow of milk can confuse your little one, especially during those initial weeks when they’re just starting to get the hang of breastfeeding. Remember, although you can’t see how much breast milk your baby is getting, there are joyful signs that can reassure you they are feeding well.

Here are some great indicators that your baby is getting enough milk:

- They breastfeed at least eight times in a 24-hour period.

- Each feeding lasts about 10 minutes or more and follows a nice rhythmic pattern of suck, swallow, pause, and suck again.

- Your baby seems satisfied and isn’t showing signs of hunger (like rooting or sucking on their fingers) immediately after a feeding.

- On their first day, your baby should have one wet diaper, and by days 2-3, they should have three. By days 4-5, expect even more wet diapers, reaching about 6-8 by day 6. - By day 5, stools should be soft, yellow, and seedy. If your baby isn’t passing any stools, it’s a good idea to reach out to your IBCLC and pediatrician.

- Your baby is gaining weight! In the first week, they should be weighed regularly; typically, breastfed babies will stop losing weight around days 4-5 when your milk comes in and usually return to their birth weight by two weeks of age. After the second week, normal weight gain is about an ounce each day.

Once your milk starts flowing, you’ll notice your breasts feeling softer after feedings, which is a reassuring sign your baby is getting enough nutrition. It’s important to remember that offering formula after nursing just to check if your baby is still hungry isn’t a reliable method; many little ones will eagerly accept a bottle even after a satisfying feeding at the breast.

Part of what I do as an IBCLC is to affirm your instincts and to help guide you through the early days of feeding your baby. Whether that is encouragement, professional guidance, or being a listening ear; your family and your breastfeeding journey is my highest priority.

Trust your instincts, and take care of yourself as you navigate this wonderful journey of feeding your baby!

Your IBCLC is cheering you on! Way to go, mama and baby.

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