02/26/2026
One of the top questions I get is: How do I know they’re getting enough?
It’s easy with a bottle, right? The lines with the ounces listed are right there. Bing, bam, boom. Done.
It’s not the same with breastfed babies. Especially when it’s your first baby, and it’s those first few days at home. it helps to know what else to look for.
Here are just 3:
1. Regular wet and dirty diapers - what is ‘regular’?
Days 1-4, go by that number. One on day 1, two on day 2, etc. This is a minimum. By day 4, you’ll likely be around 5-6.
2. Baby is content after effective feeds.
Content usually equals sleepy that first week. But making sure they have an effective feed before they’re too sleepy is key. This means you hear sucking and swallowing, and they are active in that pattern for a stretch of 5-6 minutes before getting sleepy.
3. Regular, steady weight gain
Your baby’s healthcare provider will be weighing your baby a lot the first week or two, and there’s a great reason. This is one of the primary ways we know that your baby’s getting enough milk. But it’s also the hardest one for parents, because it’s not an immediate benchmark. Even once in 24 hours seems like an eternity when we’re dealing in ounces, and 8-12 feeds in that time frame.
Feeding doesn’t have to feel like guesswork.
And if you’re unsure, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
✨ Confidence comes from support, not perfection
