Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk?


While mothers breastfeed their babies, it is sometimes difficult to measure exactly how much milk they are ingesting at every feed. It is important to keep a check on the nutritional intake to ensure sufficient feed to the babies.

How much milk is enough?

Depending upon the baby age and needs you will figure out how much milk is enough for the baby. Do not be alarmed if the baby takes less than the average feed for his age. In the first month, babies need almost 75-85ml of breast milk 8 times a day which makes the total of 580-680ml. When the baby is around 6 months old then the baby must consume 650-850ml of breast milk during 24hours. These are rough guidelines however; you must not force the baby if they are not comfortable especially if they are facing gas or colic issues. The milk intake will fluctuate once the weaning process time is near.

When you want to calculate the amount of breast milk there is exactly no way to ensure how much milk is taken. However, there are a few signs that you need to look out for to make sure the baby is not underfed. If the baby is showing these signs, then you can assure yourself that the baby is getting enough milk.

  • Baby is suckling well
  • Baby is fed 6-8 times every 24 hours
  • Baby is active and content after the feed
  • Nappy change is frequent

Even if the feeding schedule is set, the baby might fluctuate milk intake from time to time but do not be alarmed. Babies will intake breast milk until they are full.

How to express more breast milk?

Breastfeeding moms want to increase the supply of breast milk and there are different ways by which you can increase the quantity and quality of the milk. 
  • Use a breast pump to express milk so that you have sufficient milk ready for every feed and store breast milk in the containers. Pump from both breasts will help you express more milk and more supply will be produced. 
  • If your breasts do not feel empty after the feed, then pump them as it will stimulate the production.
  • Keep a healthy diet and stay hydrated. Body health reflect the amount of breast milk you produce. 
  • There are lactation consultants available who can help on individual basis to help you boost breastmilk supply.

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