Expert Answers: Is my newborn baby getting enough milk?

Your baby is here! Now what?

In the first few days and weeks of your baby’s life, you should expect several routine visits to your pediatrician for well-baby check-ups. The first usually happens within the first 48 hours of leaving the hospital. These first few days home with baby are ALWAYS exhausting—often leading new parents to feel overwhelmed by some common concerns.  

Over the course of the next few blog posts, we’ll be tackling the six most common concerns parents usually have and ask their doctor during their first well-baby check-up. Dr. Jim Makol, a retired pediatrician and First 5 Placer Commissioner provides helpful expert advice on these questions.

First up:

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Dr. Makol says most babies will take 2-3 ounces of formula every 3-4 hours—feeding 8 times in a 24 hour day. Breastfed babies may feed every 1-2 hours at first, or up to 12 times per day. Look out for and get to know your baby’s signs of being hungry, such as rooting (turning toward the side when the mouth or cheek is stroked), sucking on his or her hands, or crying as a call for help.

If you formula feed, it’s easy to measure and see the amount your baby is taking in at each feeding to determine if she is getting enough. For breastfed babies, you can tell if he is getting enough by the frequency of your nursing (outlined above) as well as the following signs:

• Frequent wet and dirty diapers
• Baby appears satisfied after feeding
• Milk is visible during feedings from leaking or dripping
• Your baby is gaining weight after the first 4 to 5 days of life

You can learn more about these signs here from the AAP.

Stay turned for more answers to your most common newborn questions.