How to know if newborn is getting enough breast milk

How do I know that my baby is full? Your baby has a large mouthful of breast.

• Your baby’s chin is firmly touching your breast.

• It doesn’t hurt you to feed (although the first few sucks may feel strong).

• If you can see the dark skin around your nipple, you should see more dark skin above your baby’s top lip than below their bottom lip.

• Your baby’s cheeks stay rounded during sucking.

• Your baby rhythmically takes long sucks and swallows (it’s normal for your baby to pause from time to time).

• Your baby finishes the feed and comes off the breast on their own.

How do I know that my baby is getting enough breast milk?  

• Your baby should be healthy and gaining weight.

• In the first 48 hours, your baby is likely to have only two or three wet nappies. Wet nappies should then start to become more frequent, with at least six every 24 hours from day five onwards.

• Most babies lose weight initially. They should be weighed by a health professional sometime around day three to five.

From then on, they should start to gain weight. Most babies regain their birth weight in the first two weeks.

• At the beginning, your baby will pass a black tar-like stool (poo) called meconium. By day three, this should be changing to a lighter, runnier, greenish stool that is easier to clean up.

From day four and for the first few weeks, your baby should pass at least two yellow stools every day. These stools should be at least the size of a £2 coin. Remember, it’s normal for breastfed babies to pass loose stools.

• Your breasts and nipples should not be sore. If they are, do ask for help.

• Your baby will be content and satisfied after most feeds and will come off the breast on their own.

If you are concerned about any of these points, speak to your midwife or health visitor.