Is my body producing enough milk?

One of my deepest fears while pregnant and hoping to breastfeed was whether my body would produce enough. I was privileged to have the support system I needed once my son was born, and we were able to have a fulfilling breastfeeding journey.

Disclaimer: This is by no means judgment to those that decide to or have to go the formula way. Fed is best!

How do you know if your baby is truly receiving enough? What about all those older, wiser, well-intentioned people insisting you supplement with formula? Baby is so thin they say. Is there merit to that?

Here is everything that does NOT indicate low supply:

• Baby crying often. Babies cry to communicate sleepiness, hunger, boredom, fear, discomfort, gas, during a growth spurt, during witching hour, the list goes on.

• Baby waking up often at night. That’s biologically normal. Baby’s sleep cycles are short and have wakeful periods in between. Night wakings do not necessarily mean hunger.

• Everyone around you saying baby is too thin. This does not translate to Baby must be starving!

• As a mum you have small breasts. Size does not matter!

Here is how to know if baby is really getting enough:

• Your newborn has 6-10 soaking wet nappies in 24 hours

• Urine is clear or pale yellow. Not deep yellow or orange

• Baby is satisfied and content after a feed

• Baby is showing age-appropriate weight gain and growth (growth charts from your paed)

 A breastfeeding body is designed marvelously well and yet, is given too little credit! There’s much around breastfeeding that even the medical community does not know.

We can support you on your breastfeeding journey! Reach out to us for lactation support so you have the facts and can make informed decisions that work for you.