How will I know if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?

Breastfeeding is going well if:

• Your baby has 8 feeds or more in 24 hours
• Your baby feeds between 5-40 minutes each feed
• Your baby’s skin colour is normal
• Your baby is generally calm and relaxed whilst feeding and content after most feeds
• Your baby has wet and dirty nappies
• Breastfeeding is comfortable
• When your baby is 3-4 days old and beyond you should be able to hear your baby swallowing during a feed

Talk to your midwife or health visitor if:

• Your baby is sleepy and has less than 6 feeds in 24 hours
• Your baby consistently feeds for less than 5 minutes each feed or more than 40 minutes per feed
• Your baby consistently falls asleep on the breast and does not complete their feed
• Your baby appears jaundice (a yellow discolouration of the skin)
• Your baby comes off the breast frequently during a feed or refuses to breastfeed
• Your baby is not having wet or dirty nappies
• You have pain in your breast or nipples which does not disappear after the first few sucks
• Your nipple comes out of the baby’s mouth looking flattened or pinched on one side
• You cannot tell if your baby is swallowing after 3-4 days or beyond
• You feel your baby needs a dummy
• You feel the need to give your baby formula milk