Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough Breast Milk: A Guide for New Mums
By Lauryn Middleton
A Common Worry for Breastfeeding Mums
If you’re a new mum and new to breastfeeding, it’s completely normal to find yourself lying awake at night wondering: “Am I making enough milk? Is my baby getting what they need?” You’re not alone, in fact, according to a recent British Journal of Midwifery review, concerns about milk supply are one of the most common reasons mums stop breastfeeding earlier than they had planned.
The truth is, for the vast majority, our bodies are made to give our babies everything they need. But in a world full of feeding apps, smart gadgets, and endless advice from well-meaning relatives, it’s easy to lose confidence. The good news? You don’t need complicated trackers or gimmicky tools to know whether your baby is getting enough breast milk. There are natural, reliable signs you can look for every single day.
Don’t worry, Mamma, your village here at Pippeta has put together another blog post with breastfeeding tips for new mums, including gentle reminders of what to keep in mind during those first few weeks of your breastfeeding journey.
- Tors Pearcy (BCLC)
Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk
1. Your Baby is Latched On Comfortably
A deep latch is one of the clearest signs your baby is getting enough breast milk. You’ll notice your baby’s mouth is wide open, taking in a large mouthful of breast, with their chin pressed into your breast and their nose free. Their lower lip should beis often rolled out (though you shouldn't see tjis as their chin should be buried into the breast), and you should see more of the areola above your baby’s top lip than below the bottom one. Feeding should feel comfortable and pain free. The first few sucks may feel strong, but pain in your nipples or breasts is not normal.
A deep latch is important because it helps your baby feed well, transferring milk efficiently and effectively while protecting your nipples from soreness. If you feel uncomfortable or you’re unsure whether your baby is latching well, it’s best to seek guidance from a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or your midwife for support.
2. Nappies (6+ wet and 2+ poo per day after the first week)
By the end of the first week, your baby should be producing at least six wet nappies and two big yellow poos every 24 hours. A steady stream of wet and dirty nappies is one of the clearest signs your baby is drinking enough breast milk. NHS guidance confirms that this is a key marker of good intake.
3. Poo Progression: From Meconium to Mustard Yellow
In the early days, your baby’s poo will be the thick, black meconium they pass soon after birth. By the end of the first week, you should notice a gradual colour change: day 1 black → day 3-4 brown/green → day 5+ mustard yellow.
Consistently abundant, yellow, soft, seedy poo is one of the clearest signs your baby is getting enough breast milk and digesting it well. In the first few days, look for at least two yellow poos every 24 hours, increasing to three or more by around day three to four. By five to six weeks, your baby will usually develop their own pattern. Some babies poo several times a day, while others may go a few days without. Both can be completely normal, provided your baby is feeding well and gaining weight, following their centile, as expected. If you’re ever unsure, check in with your health visitor or IBCLC..
4. Weight Gain After the Initial Drop
It’s normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first few days after birth. Up to 7% is considered normal up to day 5. However, they should begin to regain weight after any initial loss atday 5, putting on about 30g a day, and usually return to their birth weight by about two weeks. After that, steady baby weight gain, following their centile, while breastfeeding is one of the clearest indicators of good milk transfer. This is also one way of learning how to tell if your baby is feeding well, if you need reassurance, you can speak with your health visitor or midwife they’ll keep track during regular weigh-ins during those early weeks.
5. Feeding Sessions Lasting 5–45 Minutes
Every baby is different, but most breastfeeds will last anywhere between 5 and 40 minutes. Shorter or longer feeds don’t always mean there’s a problem; what really matters is that your baby is actively sucking and swallowing during the feed. According to the NHS, newborns usually feed at least 8–12 times in a 24-hour period. This means your baby may want to be fed every 2–3 hours, day and night. Some feeds will be longer, others shorter, and cluster feeding (lots of shorter feeds close together) is also normal in the early weeks.
6. Content and Settled (Even Just for Naps)
After a feed, your baby should usually appear more relaxed or sleepy, even if only for a short nap. While cluster feeding is normal (especially in the evenings), there should still be periods where your baby seems settled between feeds.
7. Alert and Waking for Feeds
A breastfed baby who is feeding well will be alert and waking for feeds, even during those exhausting nights. They’ll show typical newborn feeding cues, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or becoming more alert and active when hungry.
8. Growing Into Their Babygros
It might sound simple, but another natural sign is your baby gradually filling out their babygrows and clothes. Growth is one of the clearest indicators that your breast milk is doing its job.
Why You Don’t Need Apps or Gimmicks
It’s tempting to track every feed with an app, count minutes on each side, or turn to tools like nipple shields without guidance. But often, these approaches create more stress than reassurance, and can negatively impact on milk transfer
Instead, focusing on the natural signs above can help you build trust in your body and your baby. If there is one thing we have learnt, it’s that breastfeeding works best when mums feel supported and confident, not when they’re overwhelmed by data or unnecessary gadgets.
When to Reach Out for Extra Support
If you’re ever worried about your milk supply, your baby’s nappies, or feeding patterns, you don’t have to figure it out alone. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can give you evidence-based, personalised support. You can find a qualified IBCLC near you using the LCGB (Lactation Consultants of Great Britain) directory.
Did you know? Pippeta also offers free access to our independent lactation consultants with every breast pump purchase. This is part of our commitment to support you through every stage of your breastfeeding journey.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding can feel like a huge learning curve, especially in those early weeks when everything is new. Remember, you don’t need complicated tools or perfect routines to know your baby is thriving. By keeping an eye on simple, natural signs like wet nappies, weight gain, and alertness, you’ll gain the confidence that your breast milk really is enough.
And if you’re still unsure, reaching out for expert help can make all the difference. Keep going! You’re doing an amazing job Mamma.
*This guide is based on current best practice and informed by lactation experts. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. For personalised support, we recommend speaking to an IBCLC or qualified healthcare provider.
Further Reading and References
Olalere, O. & Harley, C. (2024). Why Women Discontinue Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review. British Journal of Midwifery. Available at: https://www.britishjournalofmidwifery.com/content/literature-review/why-women-discontinue-exclusive-breastfeeding-a-scoping-review
NHS- Breastfeeding: Is my baby getting enough milk?
UNICEF- How can I tell if breastfeeding is going well?
La Leche- Signs of effective feeding in the early days
UNICEF Baby Friendly - Breastfeeding Mothers Checklist
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