Milk Supply
How much breast milk is enough?
There is no magic number for knowing if you have “enough.” In the first few weeks, an awake baby is a hungry baby, so feeding on demand is the best technique for building an adequate supply. If you think you are feeding enough and baby is not gaining weight or still appears hungry after feeds, then we recommend you seek advice from an IBCLC.
Indicators of good milk supply:
Baby is feeding 8-12 times per 24 hours.
Feed on demand - do not wait until baby is crying to feed.
In the first few weeks, look for these hunger signs: hand-to-mouth movements, stretching in sleep, tongue movements in sleep, noises and light sleep.
You can hear/see baby actively swallowing during every feed. Typical pattern when baby is at the breast is to suck-suck-swallow-rest-repeat. When babies are younger rest will be a little longer in between sucks and swallows.
Baby is back to birth weight by week 2.
Baby is gaining about 3/4 to 1 ounce per day in the first 3 months.
Baby has 6 or more wet diapers a day by day 6
Bowel movements have transitioned from dark brown meconium to yellowish and seedy by day 6. Typically, babies will have 3+ bowel movements a day, but not all babies follow this pattern.
Baby appears satisfied after feedings. Look at their arms - are they pulled in close to their chest and are they fussy (aka still hungry) or are there arms flopped out towards their side in satisfaction?
What do I do if I really think I have low supply?
Weighing is always a good indicator of how much baby is getting. Find an IBCLC-led breastfeeding group to see what your baby is transferring and gaining from each feeding.
Pumping also helps to ensure that your breasts are being drained regularly, as this tells your body to make more milk. Sometimes it is necessary
Product Resources at the 'hood
Classes and Groups
Breastfeeding Group: TUESDAYs and Saturdays at 1pm
The mama 'hood offers professional support through the breastfeeding experience from the early days well into toddlerhood. Breastfeeding Group is intended for breast/chest feeding or pumping parents who are seeking breast/chest feeding support as well as a sense community.
Social connection is one of the primary goals of this group.
Parents are encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences.
We will do a pre and post feed weigh in for your baby.
One of our mama 'hood IBCLC's will facilitate the group. Should you need additional support unique to your particular situation, our IBCLC will help direct you towards the proper level of support (Feeding Clinic or Private Consult).
Private Consults: Our expert lactation team is thrilled to work with moms, babies, and families to meet their breastfeeding goals through in-office, in-home lactation or virtually.