“How do I know for sure if I am making enough breast milk?” For answers in this Sound Advice column, we reached out to Janet Jones, owner and co-founder at Breastfeeding Success.
Expert advice from Janet Jones, IBCLC, RLC:
If you’re wondering whether you are making enough milk for your baby, you’re not alone. The most common reason listed for moms who start supplementing is perceived low milk supply. Babies often suck on their hands or show signs that may look like hunger but could actually just be a need to burp or be soothed because they have a full belly.
3 Signs to Know Whether Your Newborn is Getting Enough Milk
1. They Have Enough Wet and Dirty Diapers:
In the first week, you should see a daily an increase in wet and dirty diapers based on each day of life. Each day represents 24 hours from the actual time of birth (for example, 3pm to 2:59pm the next day).
Counting wet and dirty diapers is a good way to know that your baby is getting enough breast milk. From day six and beyond, we are looking for at least six wet and three dirty diapers.
2. They’re Gaining Weight:
It is normal for babies to lose up to 10% first week of life, which usually peaks around day four. By about 2 weeks old, most babies should be back to their birth weight. Regular weight checks at your pediatrician’s office or with a lactation clinic can help ensure your baby is on track.
3. They’re Waking Up for Regular Feeds:
You may hear the saying “don’t wake a sleeping baby,” but for the first two weeks of life, it is important to make sure that baby isn’t sleeping through feedings. Lots of skin to skin in the early weeks will help your baby wake more easily for feeds.
Babies need to eat at least every 3 hours, measuring from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next. One 4-hour stretch to allow mom to get a little extra rest is fine.
If you find it difficult to wake your baby for feedings, or they don’t stay awake while at the breast, seek support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). We can teach lots of waking techniques and may recommend offering a little extra pumped milk to give your baby more energy.
RELATED: How Long Should I Breastfeed My Child?
The Hormones Needed for Milk Production:
Breast milk production is primarily hormone driven initially and requires regular stimulation and effective drainage of the breast.
- Estrogen and progesterone: glandular tissue development from puberty and with each menstruation
- Insulin: regulates mammary gland cell function
- Thyroid hormones: impact nutrient delivery to mammary cells which can affect volume
- Prolactin: primary milk producing hormone – activated by stimulation of the breast
- Oxytocin: helps the milk to flow, also has a calming effect and often called the love hormone
If you have a history of low thyroid hormones or have diabetes/gestational diabetes, consider a prenatal lactation consultation. There are things that we can do during pregnancy that can maximize milk supply. Otherwise, if your hormone levels have been normal, milk production is primarily based on supply and demand.
RELATED: Search our directory for a Mom-Approved lactation consultant near you
Boosting supply, if needed
The most common reason for low supply is giving extra “top off” formula or skipping nursing sessions while someone else gives a bottle. Anytime baby gets any extra milk it is important to also drain the breast. This maintains the “supply and demand” cycle and signals your body to keep producing. When in doubt contact your local IBCLC.
RELATED: How to Increase Your Breast Milk Supply
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