• 21/01/2025

How Do I Know My Baby is Getting Enough Breastmilk?

Many parents who plan to breastfeed wonder: “How will I know my baby is getting enough milk?” While we don’t have x-ray vision, there are reliable ways to tell if your baby is feeding well.

I’m Anna, a registered nurse, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, and birth doula supporting expat families in the Eindhoven region of the Netherlands. Here are three ways to monitor your baby’s milk intake.

1. Count Diapers

One of the simplest ways to know your baby is getting enough milk is by tracking wet and dirty diapers:

After the first week: At least six wet diapers and 3–4 poopy diapers per 24 hours
First few days: Wet and poopy diaper counts gradually increase as milk comes in
Poop changes: From sticky black meconium → brownish-green → golden yellow by around day six

Regular diaper output shows your baby is feeding adequately.

2. Track Weight Gain (Growth Curve)

Your baby’s growth curve is another key indicator:

Babies normally lose 5–10% of birth weight in the first few days
Weight should be regained by 10–14 days
Afterwards, healthy weight gain is typically 150–250 g per week in the first 4 months

Consistent weight gain means your baby is getting enough milk and growing well.