Is my baby getting enough breast millk?

Advice on ways to tell whether your baby is getting enough breast millk while breastfeeding.

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Breastfeeding > Is my baby getting enough breast millk?

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The best way to know that your baby is getting enough milk is to look at their growth, which the midwife and health visitor will check for you, and behaviour (see the well baby).

Your baby should be contented after feeds and should have plenty of wet nappies and pass stools. Each baby will differ in how often they have their bowels open. It might be with every feed or it might be every few days. Breast fed babies do not normally become constipated. Their stools tend to be very soft or even watery and often look like brown tomato seeds.

If you feel that your baby is not contented after feeding or is having only a few wet nappies during the day it may be that it is not fixing at the breast properly. Read back over the section on 'getting started'. It might also be a good idea to seek some help and guidance from a breastfeeding counsellor, your midwife or health visitor.

All babies have growth spurts. When this happens they often feed more than usual for a day or two until your milk production increases to meet their needs. This is quite normal.

At other times your baby might be unsettled because of illness or colic. If in doubt check with a health professional.