Are you a new mum worrying about your milk supply? It’s natural to be concerned about whether or not your baby is getting enough breast milk. Here are some reliable signs to look out for to make sure your milk supply is meeting your baby's needs.
Check Your Baby's Nappies
One way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk is by monitoring their nappy output. For babies who are exclusively breastfed, after 5 days of age, they should have at least 5 heavily wet disposable nappies, or 6-8 very wet cloth nappies, in 24 hours. Your baby's urine should be pale in colour, and if it is dark and smelly, this could indicate that they are not getting enough milk. Additionally, babies should have plenty of soft poos that are a yellow-mustard colour. Younger babies usually have three or more runny poos a day, while older babies may poo less frequently, as long as the poo is soft or runny when they do go.
Observe Your Baby's Signs of Growth
Another way to monitor your baby's milk intake is by checking their weight gain, length, head circumference, and overall development. After the initial weight loss after birth, your baby should have some weight gain. Additionally, your baby's clothes should be getting snugger as they grow in length and head circumference. Your baby should have good skin colour and muscle tone, and they should be meeting developmental milestones.
Observe Your Baby's Behaviour
Your baby's behaviour is another way to gauge if they are getting enough milk. A baby who is getting enough milk will be alert and have some contented times between feeds. It's normal for some babies to be fussy at times or cry a lot, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are hungry. If your baby is exhibiting these behaviours, be guided by their feeding cues, nappy output, and growth.
Track the Number of Feeds
Young babies feed frequently, and it's normal for them to feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. The more frequently your baby feeds, and the more drained your breasts, the more milk you will produce. Keep track of how often your baby feeds and use this as a guide to ensure they are getting enough milk.
Don't Confuse Hunger with Normal Behaviours
It's common for babies to have fussy periods and feed more frequently, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. Additionally, most babies wake for night feeds, while some may sleep through the night at an early age. If your baby cries a lot, it doesn't necessarily mean they are hungry. Use their feeding cues, nappy output, and growth as a guide to ensure they are getting enough milk.
At Jellie, we offer a range of products to help you with your breastfeeding journey, including breast milk ice trays, reusable breast milk silicone storage bags, a large silicone storage bag for pump and accessories, and our wearable breast pump, the 'Jellie Collect'. With our range of products, you can store your milk safely and easily and ensure your baby is getting the milk they need.
