First time parents, I adore you. I often get asked: “How much breastmilk is enough, and how do I know how much I am feeding my baby?” and many first time moms wonder about this. Truth is: we don’t really know, and it’s okay! As long as baby is latched on well, baby will feed. Bring baby to the breast (the other way around just causes discomfort). As long as baby is suckling, you are making milk. When you are holding your baby and kiss him or her, you are making milk. The breasts don’t always respond as well to a pump in terms of producing milk. It’s the Love hormones: oxytocin!

As long as your baby:

Has at least 6 wet diapers a day (after day 5)

Is continuously gaining weight after the 10th day

Looks satisfied after each feed

All is well.

My favorite question today from first time dad: “What type of formula should I have on hand when his mom is pumping milk, and he gets hungry?” Put him on the other nipple for immediate relief. I guarantee you, there will be more milk coming from that nipple then from the one being pumped. Formula supplementation actually can inhibit milk supply.

Cracked nipple(s)? Dab some of that magic mama made, species specific breastmilk on it and air dry (see video 30 minutes in). Works every time.

Here are a few helpful links, take what resonates:

https://www.drjaygordon.com/blog-detail/look-at-the-baby-not-the-scale

https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art53307.asp

Connecting birth, placenta and breastmilk, an excellent presentation by Hilary Butler.

I’m not pumping enough milk. What can I do?

Is my baby getting enough milk?