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Signs of a Good Milk Supply

Susie Hamilton Breast Pumps Direct Product Expertby Susie Hamilton
Breast Pumps Direct
Product Expert

"Is my baby getting enough milk?" is often a question on the minds of many breastfeeding mothers. For some it can be quite difficult to determine whether their breastfed baby is indeed eating his or her fill every day. This doubt stems from the fact that you can’t exactly measure how much a breastfed baby eats during each feeding.

There are a few simple signs; however, that can help to reassure a breastfeeding mother that her newborn is healthy and eating well.

  1. Consistent weight gain after the first week. Although you should be aware that many of the ‘rules’ for infant weight gain are based on the growth patterns of formula fed babies, and these specific requirements may not apply to your breastfed baby.
  2. Six or more wet diapers and two or more stools each day
  3. Baby has a good nursing technique. A suck, pause type of nursing. You should hear swallowing and can see milk in your baby’s mouth.
  4. Baby is satisfied after feedings. This may mean that the baby spontaneously releases from the breast, has a relaxed appearance, is drowsy or sleepy and has limp arms and hands.
  5. Your breasts are softer after feedings

 

Several myths surround breastfeeding, which may cause you to believe that your milk supply is low and that your baby is still hungry after feedings. Your milk supply should not be evaluated by these myths. Some common myths about how to determine whether you baby is getting enough milk or not include:

  1. How full your breasts feel. A feeling of extreme fullness or engorgement should not be expected to occur regularly. For more on engorgement please see our article Common Breastfeeding Challenges.
  2. The amount of milk you are able to express. Many mothers often think the amount of milk pumped is the same that their baby is getting while breastfeeding, but this is not always true.
  3. Whether your baby is able to sleep through the night or not.
  4. How often and/or long your baby feeds.
  5. If your baby pulls away from the breast yet seems hungry.
  6. Your baby cries after feedings.
  7. Your baby will take a bottle after a breastfeeding. This is definitely not the way to judge your milk supply because it can interfere with your breastfeeding relationship. Giving your breastfed baby a bottle may cause nipple confusion.

 

Only in rare instances is a mother unable to produce enough milk to feed her baby. The cause of this low milk production is often a result of a medical condition, medications taken, or breast surgery. If you want to learn more about your breastmilk production, our article Questions and Concerns About Breastmilk Supply is a great place to start.

If you are concerned that your baby is not receiving enough milk and the signs agree, you should contact your healthcare professional.

 

For more information on breast milk supply visit:

 

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