Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk: Signs Your Breastfeeding Baby is Full
- Chelsea Lactation & Postpartum Care
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
"How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?" - This is the most common question I hear from new parents, and for good reason. Unlike bottles, breasts don’t have ounce markers. You can’t actually see how much your baby is drinking, and that can make even confident parents second-guess things.
Thankfully, there are some pretty reliable ways to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk — and when it’s time to ask for help.
Signs Your Breastfeeding Baby Is Full and Feeding Well
Here are seven signs your breastfeeding baby is full and getting enough milk:
They’re having lots of wet and dirty diapers. By day five, expect at least 6 heavy, wet diapers and 2-3 large, soft, yellow poops daily.
They’re gaining weight. It's normal to lose up to 10% after birth, and most babies are back to birth weight by 2 weeks. After that, you’ll usually see steady gain.
They seem satisfied after feeds. A baby who comes off the breast on their own and looks relaxed or sleepy (sometimes with little "milk drunk" smiles) is often full.
You can hear or see them swallowing. Watch for rhythmic sucking with pauses and listen for quiet “ka” sounds — these are swallows, and a sign of milk transfer.
Breasts feel softer after feeds. If your breasts feel full before and lighter or softer afterward, that’s a good sign that milk was removed.
Your baby feeds often and shows hunger cues. Newborns feed at least 8–12 times every 24 hours. Rooting, sucking on hands, or waking up from sleep all mean they’re ready to feed.
They’re alert and meeting milestones. A baby who’s alert during wake windows and growing well is probably getting what they need.
When to Reach Out for Support
Even if your baby is showing some of the signs above, trust your gut. If you’re worried something is off, it's okay to ask for help. Here are some signs you may want to book a lactation visit:
Baby seems frustrated at the breast or feeds for hours without settling
You're experiencing pain, cracked nipples, or engorgement
Baby isn’t back to birth weight by 2 weeks
Diaper output is low or inconsistent
You’re supplementing with formula and want to breastfeed more
Book a Home Visit for One-on-One Support
You don’t need to figure this out alone. If you’re in the Ottawa–Gatineau-Chelsea area and wondering if your baby is getting enough milk, I offer in-home breastfeeding visits to help you feel confident and comfortable with feeding.
During your visit, I’ll:
Observe a full feed and assess latch and milk transfer
Answer all your questions (no such thing as too many!)
Offer practical tips to boost comfort, supply, or positioning
Create a personalized care plan that works for your family
📅 Take the guesswork out of breastfeeding. Book your home visit today.
You’re doing better than you think. And if you’re still unsure — I can help.
