Language
Search
View All
Since you cannot see how much breast milk your baby drinks, you may worry they are not getting enough, or you are not making enough. Most mothers can make enough milk for their baby (or babies).
The best signs that your baby is drinking enough milk are:
- they have enough wet and dirty nappies
- they are gaining weight.
Urine and poos
In the early weeks of breastfeeding, your baby will have:
- 5 to 6 disposable or 6 to 8 cloth wet nappies with pale yellow odourless (no smell) wee
- at least 2 to 3 yellow soft poos. As baby grows, they may poo once a day or once every few days.
If your baby has strong smelling dark urine/wee or firm poos, you should ask your family doctor.
Weight gain in the first few weeks
Babies will often lose weight after their birth, usually in the first few days. However, they are expected to gain some weight each week and slowly regain their birth weight at 2 to 3 weeks of age when breastfeeding. They should look like they fit their skin (their skin is not loose and wrinkly).
If you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain, ask for advice from your child health nurse or family doctor.
The size of your baby
Sometimes people believe a bigger baby is a sign of better health, but that is not always true. The health of a baby depends on many things like nutrition, genetics and overall well-being, not just their size.
Every baby is different and grows at their own pace. What really matters is that your baby is growing and developing as expected. Focus on giving your baby a healthy diet, going to regular check-ups with your family doctor, and following their advice for your baby's health and well-being. Remember, the size of your baby doesn't show how healthy they are.
Oversupply (making too much milk)
Signs you are making too much milk
- Your baby finds it hard to handle or swallow the fast flow and large amount of milk. They may make loud gulping, swallowing and choking sounds.
- Your baby may find it hard to settle or calm down in between feeding. They may wiggle, make noise, and find it hard to stay asleep.
- Your baby has more than 6 to 8 heavy/wet nappies each day and often makes loud, loose poops, over the 24-hour day.
- Your breasts may feel very full and sometimes painful.
What to do if you are making too much milk
- Talk to your child and family health nurse, midwife or lactation consultant.
- Feed your baby when they show hunger signs.
- Let baby empty one breast well before offering the second. Offer the same breast at least twice before switching.
- If your baby pulls off the breast after a few minutes, give them a break and return them to the same breast within the hour to see if they are still hungry.
More resources
Find out more about the oversupply of breast milk.
