General information about breastfeeding

How can I tell my baby is getting enough milk?

Signs to look out for are:

Frequent wet/dirty nappies
Taking regular feeds - (average 8-12 feeds in 24hrs)
Baby is active, alert has a good colour and firm skin

The charts in the red book are based on the weight gain of bottle fed babies, it is not unusual for breast fed babies to vary from this pattern.

The following are not good ways of judging

Your breasts don't feel full
Your baby starts sleeping through the night
Your baby cries after feeding
Your baby suddenly starts feeding more often
You can only express half an ounce of milk

If you are at all concerned speak to your health visitor or GP.

Why does my baby want to feed constantly?

You may find that after settling into a fairly steady pattern of feeding, your baby suddenly starts feeding much more often - even every hour! This could be for a variety of reasons - maybe your baby is getting a cold. Increased breastfeeding can provide valuable protection from illness, as your baby will be receiving antibodies and immunities that your body has made especially for your baby during this time.

Some babies also pick up their breastfeeding for other reasons. Are there significant changes in your life, for instance a move or a vacation or visitors in the house? Have you been away from your baby more than usual recently? Is your baby starting to teethe? Often changes in routine or new stages of development in the baby trigger increased desire to breastfeed for comfort and reassurance.

More often than not however, an increase in feeding is due to a growth spurt. These can be generally be expected when your baby is about 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and may last several days. Respond to your baby's additional demands and this will maintain your milk supply - as well as giving opportunities for extra cuddles! Ensure that you are eating enough, drinking plenty of water and read more