Tips for making enough breast milk

Studies show us that almost every parent worries they are not making enough milk for their baby. The good news is, most parents make more than enough milk for their babies!

Below are a few common reasons parents think their baby isn’t getting enough milk, even when their baby is actually getting enough:

Your baby cries or wakes from sleep.

Crying or waking will not always mean your baby is hungry. If your baby is not showing hunger cues, something else is causing the crying or waking. Instead, it could mean they have gas, want to be near you, or need something to be different.

Your baby “cluster feeds.”

This is when your baby will want to nurse frequently (every 30 minutes to an hour), especially during the evenings. This is normal, and will not mean they are not getting enough milk.

Your baby feeds often.

This will not mean your milk supply is low. Your newborn’s stomach will be very small and will only be able to take in a small amount of milk at a time. That is why your newborn should be breast or chestfeeding 10 or more times every 24 hours. Feeding often will be normal and expected, especially when your baby has a growth spurt!

Deeper Dive

Learn more about baby cues in the next lesson in this series, Understanding Your Newborn: Sleep, Crying, and Cues.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Your baby’s diapers in the first week will help you tell if they are getting enough milk. In general, their diapers should follow the number and color pattern below. If you do not feel like this pattern is being met, contact your baby’s doctor.

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Tips to keep your milk supply up

1. Learn how to create a good latch

Check out this step-by-step guide on how to help your baby latch on correctly.

2. Look and listen for swallowing.

Make sure you can hear or see your baby swallowing when they are breast or chestfeeding.

Some babies swallow so quietly that a pause in their breathing may be the only sign of swallowing.

3. Pay attention to hunger cues.

Feed your baby as soon as they start showing you hunger cues. These cues may include:

- Moving their head, looking for something to suck on
- Pulling hands and knees upward toward their face
- Make sucking noises and try to suck on anything they can find

4. Only feed your baby human milk.

If your baby is given formula, they will breast or chestfeed less often, and this will tell your body to make less milk.

5. Feed your baby often.

The more your baby feeds, the more milk your body will make!

6. Pay attention to fullness cues.

Let your baby decide when they are finished eating. Learn how to recognize your baby’s fullness cues.

7. Express milk.

You can also express milk to increase your milk supply. This can be done with hand expression or with a pump after you breast or chestfeed your baby. Speak with a lactation consultant before using a pump to see if it is a good idea for you.

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR MILK SUPPLY?

If you find you are concerned that you are not making enough milk, speak with your healthcare provider, WIC clinic, or lactation consultant. These caring professionals will be able to help you know if you are making enough milk. If they suspect that more milk is needed, they will help you keep your baby well fed.

Want to watch a video about how to know if you are making enough milk? Check out this 2-minute video.