Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?
It is common to wonder if your baby is getting enough breastmilk. Most mothers make enough breastmilk for their babies to grow and thrive!
How do I know my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
Offer your baby the breast when they show signs that they are hungry or when you or baby want to connect for love, comfort, or reassurance.
You will know your baby is getting enough breastmilk when:
- You can see your baby sucking and swallowing. If you are unsure what to look for, talk to your public health nurse.
- Your baby has enough bowel movements daily:
- Day five to three weeks: At least three or more small bowel movements a day (size of a loonie) or at least one large. They may be yellow, seed like, lumpy, or runny.
- After six weeks: Often fewer bowel movements.
- Your baby has enough wet diapers daily:
- Days five to seven: five wet diapers
- After day seven: six or more wet diapers
- By two weeks after birth, your baby is at or above birth weight and is growing well.
- Your baby feeds at least 8-12 times in 24 hours.
- Your baby wakes to feed, is calm and relaxed during most feeds, and is content and settles after most feeds.
For more information signs that your baby is getting enough breastmilk and what to do if your baby is not getting enough breastmilk, check out the resource links on this page.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse:
- Breastfeeding support
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555.