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It would be fantastic if breasts were equipped with gauges to measure the contents the same as a bottle but of course they're not.... so how can you tell if your baby is drinking enough milk as you can't see what is coming out?! Simple: listen to your baby.
If you're breastfeeding on demand, which is the most advocated way to breastfeed rather than a Gina Ford 'every four hours' type routine, then your baby will almost always be getting enough milk. Babies won't starve themselves: if they're hungry and they're offered the breast they will drink until they are full. If the baby appears to still be hungry after 'finishing' one breast then simply offer the other until baby seems satisfied. During the early weeks it can seem as though all you do is feed but you will be rewarded with a happy, healthy, growing child who will soon be smiling up at you as they feed.

If a mother is concerned about whether a baby is getting enough milk then checking what comes out is often the best way of 'measuring' what went in! There are some tell-tale signs that a baby is not getting enough milk though:

* a significant reduction in the number of wet nappies within 24 hours - ignore dirty nappies as breastfed babies can often not pass stools more often than once a week or even once a fortnight... a reduction in dirty nappies isn't a sign of a baby not getting enough milk despite some assurances to the contrary!

* a baby that is unusually tired or lethargic - babies do sleep lots, that's a fact, but if a baby is difficult to wake or doesn't appear to have any energy to move their bodies when they're awake this can be a sign of not getting enough milk

* a significant reduction in weight - babies often lose up to 10% of their birth weight during the first few days of life and can go through stages of growing lots and not growing very much at all during the following months but a significant reduction in weight over a short period of time can be a sign of not getting enough milk

* a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head) is a sign of dehydration

* a gentle pinch to the belly should see skin 'ping' back into place quickly, if it takes a long time to regain its normal shape this can also be a sign of dehydration

Basically, trust your instincts. A baby won't starve themselves but if they appear unwell then it may be time to call a breastfeeding counsellor or a health visitor or doctor.

Learn more about this author, Nikki H..
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