How do you know if your baby is getting enough milk when breastfeeding ?

Dear, your child will give you the answer as to whether he or she is getting enough milk.

It's that simple.

And yet it is also easy to become insecure and worried.

If so, read on below.

There is a difference between whether we talk about breastfeeding and 'enough milk' before or after the milk has come in, which it does 2-5 days after birth.

Colostrum

Before your milk comes in, you produce colostrum. It is yellowish in color, full-fat and nutritious enough that baby only needs a few drops to get enough. Once your milk comes in, it is thinner, more bluish in color and the amount is regulated by 'supply and demand' – that is, based on baby's needs.

You can read more about the different types of breast milk here. https://carriwell.com/da/modermaelkens-sammensaetning/

Is baby getting enough milk?

When talking about whether a baby is getting enough milk, it is almost always about the period after the milk has come in. A period that actually extends over the rest of the breastfeeding process.

Doubts about whether the baby is getting enough milk can arise at any time during breastfeeding.

Know that this is completely normal.

A breastfeeding process is not the same throughout the months. Baby's appetite changes, you might get the flu, baby has periods where he's more interested in looking around than eating, etc. Breastfeeding is a changing process.

Difference between breastfeeding and bottle feeding

One of the biggest differences between breastfeeding and bottle feeding is that with breastfeeding, you have no idea how many milliliters of milk your baby is getting. This causes concern for some parents, especially if they previously had a bottle-fed baby and now have a breastfed baby.

It can feel like a direct loss of control. In a way, it is. And that's good. Because it's not you as a parent who has to deal with how many milliliters of breast milk baby gets during a feeding. It's the baby who has to control it. And then we're back to knowing if baby is getting enough breast milk, so you have to look at baby.

Your child gives the answer.

Your baby is getting enough milk

Specifically, you and I should look for the following:

• Does baby show up for meals - that is, clearly showing hunger?
• Does baby eat a regular meal at the breast - meaning he seems full and comfortable afterwards?
• Baby sleeping peacefully
• Is baby awake and comfortable during diaper changes and meals (yes, baby is allowed to cry every now and then. Crying is a way of communicating)
• Baby is comfortable most of the time and not lethargic
• Baby has a nice pink skin color and not gray or pale
• Is the baby following his own growth curve - the health visitor checks this
• Baby's diapers correspond to what is described in this nice booklet: https://www.sst.dk/-/media/Udgivelser/2022/Boernesundhed/TjekBleen_web.ashx?sc_lang=da&hash=E0D695A364E6CEF3B8251402E1EBDAB4

As you can see, it is quite real that baby shows whether he or she is getting enough milk.

Get advice from professionals

If you are still worried or nervous, I would recommend that you reach out to talk to either the health visitor or a private midwife like me. Because no one should be walking around feeling nervous. And if there is really something that indicates that the baby is not getting enough milk, it can be good to have a professional on the sidelines.

You can also talk to your family, friends, mothers' group, colleagues or others. Please note that they are speaking from their own experiences and do not have the professional ability to base their opinions on you, your breasts, your baby and the background to your concerns. On the other hand, your friends and family know you well and can provide invaluable support and encouragement. Family, networks and professionals can all be valuable in their own way.

So dear, look at baby and get your answer regarding whether baby is getting enough breast milk.

I wish you and yours all the best.

Most affectionately