Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it often comes with questions like, “Is my baby feeding enough?” or “Is my baby getting enough breastmilk?” We’ve consulted Sally Connell, a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) at Beloved Bumps to address these concerns.
This thread from our Ask the Expert series covers everything from feeding schedules to increasing milk supply, ensuring you have the support you need.
Q: My baby poops daily. Does that mean he’s getting enough milk? How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
Sally: If your baby is also getting 6 to 8 wet diapers a day, is otherwise happy and settled, and also growing appropriately – then they’re likely getting enough milk.
Q: How do I know when my baby is full from feeding?
Sally: Baby generally releases the breast on his own and seems content and happy after a feed. Fists that may have been clenched are now relaxed.
Breasts that felt firm before the feed have now softened.
You witness your baby actively gulping during the feeding session.
Baby has 6 to 8 wet diapers in 24 hours.
Baby is meeting growth and development milestones.
Q: How can I know if my baby is overfeeding? Is overfeeding a sign that my baby is getting enough breast milk?
Sally: As a general rule, you cannot overfeed a breastfed baby. Some mothers do have an over-abundant supply, but it is not a concern unless it is causing problems for the mum or baby. Very rarely, rapid weight gain in a breastfed baby can be a result of a medical condition, but most breastfed babies who initially gain a lot of weight will slim down once they become mobile.
Q: My baby is not taking age-appropriate milk intake. What can I do?
Sally: Every baby is slightly different, so ‘age-appropriate’ amounts of milk are only an approximation. If your baby is growing appropriately, is otherwise happy and settled, and has good diaper output then they are likely taking in enough milk for them. If not it would be a good idea to have a chat with your baby’s doctor to rule out any problems.
Q: Do I need to follow a feeding schedule? Can I feed every 2 hours if my baby is fussy/crying?
Sally: Absolutely. It is advisable to breastfeed your baby on demand, especially in the early months to help establish and maintain your supply.
Just as adults eat differing amounts of food at different times of the day according to our appetite and how we are feeling at that time, so do babies.
Babies also breastfeed for many reasons. Being at the breast makes them feel calm, safe, and happy, so it is the perfect place to have them when they are crying or unhappy.
Q: My 2-month-old baby is always crying. Do I need to breastfeed every time my baby cries?
Sally: It really depends on why your baby is crying.
If you have recently fed your baby, and feel that she was actively feeding until she was satisfied, then I would look at why else she might be crying and try to fix that first.
Is she showing signs that she might have wind? Does she have a wet or dirty diaper? Is she too hot or too cold? Or does she simply want to be close to your skin as babies do?
It is totally fine to latch your baby to calm her if she is simply after some closeness with you and has a need to suck. You can think of your breasts as your little magic power that no one else has.
Q: What are some ways to increase my breast milk supply?
Sally: The single best way to increase your supply is to have lots of skin-to-skin contact, and latch your baby frequently and on demand. If you cannot latch, then a good quality Hospital-Grade pump is your next best bet. If you are pumping, then make sure that you are measured to ensure that the flanges fit correctly.
Getting lots of rest, and staying hydrated is also recommended.
There are certain foods and supplements which some mothers find helpful. None of these will take the place of frequent latching or pumping though.
Q: What are the kinds of food I should eat when breastfeeding?
Sally: As a general rule, eating a varied and balanced diet is all that is required when breastfeeding. Occasionally your baby may be sensitive to something in your diet though. If you suspect this is the case, you could try keeping a food diary for a week or two and record everything you eat. Often, you are then able to pinpoint what the problem might be. Before cutting whole food groups out of your diet though, it is best to discuss it with your doctor.
Q: What can I do if my baby has trouble latching so he still gets enough breast milk?
Sally: It might be worth getting the help of a professional if you are concerned about your baby’s latch. There can be a number of reasons why a baby is unable to latch, which a professional can help you to decipher. Often it can be as simple as changing feeding positions, but occasionally it might require more intervention.
About the Expert
Sally Connell is a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) with years of experience supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journey.
As part of Beloved Bumps, Sally is passionate about providing personalized, empathetic care to help parents navigate the joys and challenges of nurturing their babies. Whether it’s troubleshooting feeding issues or offering emotional support, Sally’s goal is to empower mothers to feel confident and informed.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is a journey unique to every mother and baby. If you’re facing challenges, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Remember, you’re not alone, and every small step you take contributes to your baby’s health and happiness.
For more expert answers and parenting tips, keep an eye on this space or visit sg.theasianparent.com.
At theAsianparent, we strive to provide accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions, we recommend consulting your doctor for personalized guidance and clarity.