by Chrissy Harrison

Created on: August 18, 2007   Last Updated: October 11, 2010

Breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful bonding and incredible things you can do for your baby. I have been breastfeeding my son now for 14 months, and I will continue to until he is ready to stop. He is gaining very evenly and he is very healthy. I have never once measured my milk, or set a time limit to the nursing sessions, and he ends up full every time. There are many tell tall ways of knowing that your baby is getting enough milk.

With my first, I was constantly wondering and worrying if she was getting enough milk, worried about not being able to provide enough and feeling like my breasts were empty and just adding unneeded stress to myself. Stress will cause a decrease in your amount of milk and will make your baby feel uncomfortable. The key is to know in your mind that your body is capable of providing enough milk for your baby and you will.

Here are some tips on how to tell if your baby is getting enough.

Your newborn baby should have at least three stools a day, and 5-6 wet disposable diapers a day (more if they are cloth).

Feed your baby 8-15 times a day, with 1-3 hours in between feedings.

In a quiet room, you should hear your baby sucking and swallowing, kind of like a soft clicking sound. You should be able to see your baby swallowing.

Your breasts should feel much softer after feedings

Even if your baby is fussy after feedings, and wants to be constantly nursing, don't worry, that is normal for young babies, and the more frequent you nurse the more milk you will produce. Do not think that the longer you nurse the more milk you will produce, that is not the case nursing longer than 40 minutes will cause pain and nipple soreness. Do not nurse for longer than 40 minutes, and switch breasts once your baby unlatches from one to the other. Frequent switches are good for some sleepy or slow nursers because it helps with your milk supply, as well as helps your baby wake up enough to nurse and empty your breast.

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