How To Know If Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk
How To Know If Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk
Feeding whenever your baby wants to feed will help maintain your milk supply. This is your baby's way of making sure they have all the breastmilk they need. The milk they take is replaced each time they feed.
Feeding whenever your baby wants to feed will help maintain your milk supply. This is your baby's way of making sure they have all the breast milk they need. The milk they take is replaced each time they feed.
Frequent feeding is normal when your baby is first born.
Nipples can be tender, but should not be sore, cracked or bleeding. Check with your midwife or Well Child nurse that you are latching properly, or you can call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 or your local La Leche League.
Sleep when baby sleeps!
Check KidsHealth's breastfeeding section
Check KidsHealth's infant nutrition section
External links and downloads
Find out more about how you can tell if your baby is getting enough milk and some signs your baby is well fed.
Things change a lot in the first few days after your bay is born. Watch a short video about what to expect - how much colostrum you produce; what to expect when your milk comes in; what happens to baby's poos and wees in the first few days.
The Mama Aroha app provides information about many aspects of breastfeeding. It includes information on the importance of breastfeeding, support for breastfeeding skin to skin, supply and demand feeding, what to expect, feeding cues, latching and positioning, hand expressing and milk storage. Check out how to use the app (PDF, 1.73 MB).
This app provides information about various aspects of breastfeeding - from how to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, through to the first few days and the early weeks. In provides guidance on common issues such as latching and positioning your baby, hand expressing and breast care. In addition, the app has information on more unusual issues such as breastfeeding twins and early babies (premature), and frequently asked questions around breastfeeding such as medicines, contraception and smoking when breastfeeding.
Check SmartStart to find breastfeeding support services in your area.
If you are worried about how your baby is breastfeeding, ask for a breatfeeding assessment. Your midwife or lead maternity carer (LMC) will know who to refer you to in your area. You can also talk to a PlunketLine nurse on 0800 933 922. Calls are free and PlunketLine is available 24/7. They'll do an assessment and can book you an online appointment with one of Whānau Āwhina Plunket's lactation consultants. These breastfeeding consultations are free and available for all breastfeeding women - even if Whānau Āwhina Plunket isn't your WellChild provider.
This page last reviewed 30 May 2022.
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