In the early days of breastfeeding, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. Your baby can’t tell you how much milk they drank, your body is still learning how much to make, and you’re running on about three hours of sleep. If you’ve ever stared at your baby and wondered, “Are you full? Did I make enough?”—you’re not alone.
The good news? There are clear signs that help you know if your baby is getting what they need. Once you know what to look for, you’ll feel a lot more confident feeding your baby (and trusting your body, too).
What Are the Signs That Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?
Breastfed babies don’t come with ounce markers the way bottles do, but their bodies give us clues. Here are some of the best indicators your baby is getting what they need:
1. Steady Weight Gain
The most objective measure is weight. It’s normal for newborns to lose a little weight in the first few days (up to 10% of their birth weight), but they should begin to gain by day 5 and be back to birth weight by about 2 weeks.
2. Enough Wet and Dirty Diapers
This is one of the simplest ways to track intake at home.
- Day 1–4: At least one wet diaper for each day of life (e.g. 3-day-old = 3 wets).
- Day 5 and beyond: 6+ wet diapers
Poop color matters too. Newborn stools transition from black (meconium) to greenish to mustard yellow by the end of the first week. One good indicator that they are getting enough in the early days…we look for bright yellow, mustard poops by day 5!!
3. Your Baby Seems Content After Feeding
Babies who are full tend to relax their fists, look sleepy or satisfied, and let go of the breast on their own. If your baby is coming off the breast on their own and seems calm (not rooting or crying for more), that’s a great sign.
4. You Can Hear Swallowing
During active nursing, you may hear little “ka” or gulping sounds. Swallowing is a good sign of milk transfer. You aren’t alone if you need a little help understanding your baby’s cues. This can be a great time to seek support from a lactation consultant.
If your baby’s jaw is moving in long, rhythmic motions instead of fast, fluttery sucks, they’re probably getting milk.
5. Your Breasts Feel Softer After Feeding
Your breasts may feel full or tight before a feed and softer or lighter afterward. That’s another cue that milk is moving.
Common Worries—and What’s Totally Normal
“My baby wants to nurse all the time. Does that mean I’m not making enough?”
Not necessarily! Cluster feeding (nursing every hour or two) is normal during growth spurts. Your baby may nurse more often to boost your supply—this all goes back to supply and demand. They are growing rapidly at the beginning, so they are trying to tell your body to make more milk.
“I can’t tell how much they’re getting. Should I supplement?”
It depends. If baby is not gaining weight, not having enough wet/dirty diapers, or seems lethargic, reach out to your pediatrician and an IBCLC (lactation consultant). But if all the signs above look good, you likely don’t need to supplement. It never ever hurts to get support and reassurance if you are questioning anything at all!
“I don’t feel let-down. Is that bad?”
Some people don’t feel a physical let-down reflex. That doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. If your baby is swallowing and your breasts feel lighter after a feed, you’re likely having a let-down—just quietly.
When to Reach Out for Help
Call your pediatrician or an IBCLC if:
- Baby is not back to birth weight by 2 weeks.
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers by day 5.
- Poop is still dark after the first week.
- Nursing is painful every time.
- Baby falls asleep minutes into feeding and rarely seems full.
-Or if you simply want reassurance! Insurance often covers lactation support, so you may as well use it! I love when moms come weekly just to make sure everything is on track…so many things change and it never hurts to be preventative.
Building Trust in Your Body
One of the hardest parts of breastfeeding is learning to trust something you can’t see. But your baby is telling you what they need—you’re just learning how to listen. And your body is incredibly smart. With frequent feeding and a little support, it almost always makes exactly what your baby needs.
FAQ
Should I wake my baby to feed in the first few weeks?
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Yes, if your baby is under two weeks old or hasn’t regained birth weight, feed at least every 2–3 hours, day and night.
Is it normal for my baby to nurse for 45 minutes?
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Yes—especially in the beginning. Over time, your baby should get faster and more efficient. A weighted feed with a lactation consultant can really help you gain clarity here.
What if I have a low milk supply?
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Make sure the baby has a deep latch and frequent feeds. Hands-on pumping and breast compressions can help, too. A lactation consultant can help assess supply issues and recommend a plan.
Bottom Line
If your baby is gaining weight, making plenty of wet and dirty diapers, and seems satisfied after feeding—you’re doing great. Trust your instincts, keep offering the breast often, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it!
