Unlike bottle feeding, breastfeeding doesn't come with milliliter markings. You can't see exactly how much your baby is taking in, which leads to one of the most common anxieties new breastfeeding mothers face: "Is my baby getting enough?" This worry is especially intense in the first few weeks when your baby is learning to feed and your milk supply is establishing. The good news is that there are clear, objective signs that tell you whether your baby is well-fed—and I'm going to share the exact checklist I use when evaluating feeding in my practice.
The Most Reliable Sign: Weight Gain
Weight is the single most objective measure of adequate feeding. Here's what to expect:
- First few days: Normal to lose up to 7-10% of birth weight
- By day 10-14: Should regain birth weight
- After that: Gain ~1 oz (30g) per day for the first 3 months
If you want to track weight at home between appointments—especially if you have feeding concerns—we offer baby scale rentals for $25/month. It's a great way to get peace of mind without obsessing over every feeding.