When you breastfeed your baby, you can’t see exactly how many ounces of milk your baby is getting.
This makes some parents nervous. Worse, it can even cause some mothers to give up on breastfeeding altogether, even if they are making plenty of milk for their baby. Or, it can lead to anxious rounds of pumping. But stress can impact your milk supply, as was the case with celeb and dog mom Chrissy Teigen.
Nobody wants to feel this way. Postpartum life is stressful enough without worries over feeding your baby. This is exactly why knowing how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk (and knowing when to reach out for help) is one of the very best things you can do to reach your breastfeeding goals.
So how can you tell if breastfeeding is going well?
The first and most important clue is your baby’s weight gain. If your baby is gaining enough weight–about 5.5-8.5 oz a week from 0-4 months–that’s the best and most important sign that things are going well.
Diaper output can also provide clues. Your baby’s hands can also “communicate” with you. After a feed, an open, relaxed hand is a positive indicator. On the other hand, a clenched fist is a sign that your baby is likely still hungry.
In Mighty Milk’s Breastfeeding for Expectant Parents and Breastfeeding Your Baby 0-12 Weeks classes, Lex, the Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who leads them, walks you through how you’ll know your baby is getting plenty of milk. This can provide a huge boost of confidence and help you avoid feelings of anxiety, especially if they are not warranted.
Lex also teaches you the signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk. This is equally important, because the sooner you can get help, the better.
What if you aren’t sure if you are making enough milk, or if you already know you aren’t? Lex guides you through much more information in easy-to-follow videos in Mighty Milk’s Breastfeeding Your Baby (0-12 Weeks) class. Some of videos on these topics include:
- Do I Have Enough Milk?
- Real and Perceived Low Milk Supply
- Is My Baby’s Latch Ok? Am I Doing It Right?
- What to Do If Your Baby Isn’t Getting Enough Milk from Nursing
- Who to Trust with Breastfeeding Advice
- What About This Pump I Got?
- Introducing a Bottle
Getting the Breastfeeding Your Baby (0-12 Weeks class) is an excellent way to support our small woman owned biz while also boosting your breastfeeding confidence in a big way. The class is FSA/HSA eligible and backed by a 30 day guarantee. Here’s that link again.
If you still aren’t making enough milk for your baby, or are having any concerns, don’t waste any time in scheduling an appointment with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).