I’m worried i don’t have enough milk

Worrying about milk supply is incredibly common, especially in those early weeks when everything feels new, overwhelming, and a little uncertain. After birth, we’re in such a vulnerable place: physically recovering, navigating huge hormonal and emotional changes, and learning to care for a brand new tiny human.

Here are a few signs that things probably are going well, even if it might not feel that way:

Reassuring signs to look for:

Your baby is gaining weight steadily, following the centile they’ve settled on (after the normal initial weight loss in the first few days).

They’re having at least 2 poos per day in the first 6 weeks.

After the first week, they’re having 6 or more heavy wet nappies a day (before that, it’s roughly one wet nappy for each day of life—so 2+ on day 2, 3+ on day 3, and so on).

Feeds are mostly comfortable, and your baby is usually relaxed or sleepy after feeding.

Common worries that don’t necessarily mean there’s a problem:

Baby is feeding very frequently (more than 8–10 times in 24 hours).

Baby wants to feed a lot in the evenings or afternoons – this can be totally normal during the first few months (and is often called “cluster feeding”).

Your breasts feel softer or less full than they did in the early weeks.

Your baby wakes when you try to put them down.

Your baby takes a bottle after a feed – this doesn’t always mean they needed it. Babies will often suck for comfort if a bottle is offered. (https://www.facebook.com/LucyWebberIBCLC/posts/why-might-a-baby-take-a-bottle-after-a-breastfeed-x/1184921571938874/)

Bottles for breastfed babies: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_-jpkaNwxi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Helpful links for more on fussy feeding:

Fussy evenings with a newborn – La Leche League UK
Feeding Frequency FAQs – La Leche League International

When to reach out for support:

If you’re worried, for any reason. Your feelings are valid.
If your baby isn’t following their centile on the growth chart, or has lost more than 7% of their weight in the first week.
If your baby suddenly stops pooing in those early weeks.
If feeds seem to be making your baby distressed or unsettled, or they’re fussing through or after every feed.
If your baby seems to be clicking or slipping off the breast during feeds, or is falling asleep very quickly after latching every feed.

What can affect milk production?

Some things can impact how much milk your body makes, including:

Scheduling feeds, or using a dummy (which may mask hunger cues and opportunities to suckle and stimulate milk production)

Supplementing regularly with formula without expressing in place of those feeds

In some cases, hormonal conditions (such as thyroid issues or PCOS), extreme blood loss during birth, retained placenta, and insufficient glandular tissue can be risk factors for lower milk production.

Even in cases where milk production is lower than expected, every drop matters, and it’s often possible to build or protect your supply with support. And even if your baby isn’t taking much (or any) milk directly from the breast, the act of suckling is still deeply beneficial for both of you, if it feels right.

Reach out for some qualified support if you’d like some help that is tailored to you and your baby. springtidesinfantfeeding.com/resources