Breastfeeding; How do we know if our babies are getting enough milk?

The last time I looked at my boobs, I couldn’t see a measurement gauge to see how full they were with breast milk or how empty they were after my baby had had a feed. It is really tricky to figure it out and one question breastfeeding mums worry about.

Within this blog post, I will give you information that will help calm those worries and put your mind at ease. Let’s get started.

So how can we tell if your baby is getting enough milk? There are a few things that you need to look out for.

First up is how your baby’s latch is, what we need to see is…

When your baby is about to take a mouthful of breast, babies chin needs to be the first thing that is touching your breast first.
Your baby’s mouth should be wide and a lot of breast tissue in there, not just nipple and cheeks should be full.
We need to see more areola (the dark circle of skin around your nipple) above your babies top lip than at the bottom.
Baby’s nose should be clear of breast.

If you can’t see you baby and breast as you are feeding then ask your partner to have a look, maybe even take a little video on their phone so you can see.

Secondly can we see and hear them swallowing and drinking milk?

Once you baby is latch onto your breast, can you see them doing little rapid sucks? Great! This means they are sending signals to your brain to release the milk (your let down). You breasts may become all tingly with the milk flowing down and out of your nipple. Baby should now be suckling and you should hear your baby swallowing. Suck, swallow, suck, suck, swallow.
Their sucking will be quickly at first then they will slow down and get into a bit of a rhythm. The milk that comes at first isn’t high in fat content that the milk that comes after, therefore baby will needs to work the breast, suck, suck, suck, swallow, rest… suck, suck, suck, swallow, then rest. Allow them to rest as this is working all those facial muscles and it is tiring for them.

Other signs to look out for…

Make sure that your baby’s cheeks are rounded and full with breast tissue.

When baby comes off, by themselves, your nipple doesn’t look like the end of a lipstick, it hasn’t changed colour and it’s not painful. Please note that breastfeeding isn’t supposed to be painful, but let’s be honest though, when was the last time your nipples were sucked liked that?! If we can manage to get baby latched and position properly then no damage will have been done from the begining, minimising any pain.
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When baby has had a feed they are content, sleepy and have come off the breast themselves.

Nappy out put (this is a whole other blog post) - Day 4 babies should have two poos that are the size of a two pound coin. This does not include the little sharts, that they do. Poos will look like korma and smell sweet.

By day 5 we are looking for at least eight wet nappies and two poos in 24 hours.

If you are struggling in any way with your feeding journey or have any questions regarding this blog post, please reach out and send us a message on the contact page.