Breastfeeding check

Is my baby getting enough milk? Take the check

Enter four signals (age, feeds, wet nappies and weight) and see instantly whether everything looks good, or whether one signal deserves attention.

  • Based on WHO and NHS signals
  • Calculated on your device
  • Done in 30 seconds

The four signals

Count all feeds in a full day, including short ones and night feeds.
Only properly wet nappies count; dirty nappies are separate.
Your details never leave your device and are not stored.
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How to read this

This check looks at the signals midwives and lactation consultants use themselves: the number of feeds, wet nappies and the weight curve. Together they tell you far more than how full your breasts feel or how often your baby cries.

The check doesn't replace a weigh-in or professional judgement. An amber or red signal isn't a diagnosis but a reason to have someone take a look.

Based on the signals from WHO, NHS and La Leche League guidance: 8-12 feeds a day, at least 6 wet nappies from day 5, and birth weight back around day 10-14.
SOURCES1. WHO/UNICEF: Breastfeeding counselling  ·  2. NHS: Breastfeeding: is my baby getting enough milk?  ·  3. La Leche League International
This check is a guide. It never replaces assessment by your midwife, health visitor, lactation consultant or doctor.

How do you know your baby is getting enough milk?

You can't see how much milk your baby drinks, and that creates doubt. Fortunately three signals tell you reliably: the number of feeds a day, the number of wet nappies and the weight curve. If those three check out, your baby is getting enough. Full stop.

How often should I breastfeed?

Most babies feed 8 to 12 times a day, including at night. More often is fine too: cluster feeding (lots of short feeds close together, often in the evening) is normal behaviour and no sign of low supply. Feeding on demand, whenever your baby shows hunger cues, works better than a fixed schedule.

Wet nappies: the most reliable daily signal

What goes in must come out. From day 5 there should be at least 6 properly wet nappies a day. In the first days the rule of thumb is roughly as many wet nappies as your baby is days old. Fewer wet nappies is the first signal to feed more often and have a professional take a look.

What does not mean you have low milk supply?

Many mothers doubt themselves over signals that prove nothing: a baby who wants to feed often, crying, or breasts that feel softer than in the first weeks. All of that is part of normal breastfeeding. Look at nappies and weight, and if in doubt get support from a lactation consultant, who can often see how things are going within one feed.

Frequently asked questions

How many feeds a day is normal?
Most breastfed babies feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, spread across day and night. More is fine too, especially during cluster hours or growth spurts.
How do I know I'm producing enough milk?
Not by your breasts, but by your baby: at least 6 wet nappies a day from day 5, a good weight curve and a baby who's content after most feeds. If those signals check out, your supply checks out.
How many wet nappies should my baby have?
From day 5, at least 6 a day. In the first days: roughly as many wet nappies as days of life (day 3 means three wet nappies).
My baby wants to feed all the time. Is my supply low?
Usually not. Wanting to feed often is what babies do, especially in the evening and during growth spurts. As long as nappies and weight are fine, your baby is getting enough.
When should birth weight be back?
Usually around day 10 to 14. Babies lose weight in the first days, and that's normal. If it's not back after two weeks, have someone take a look.
What is cluster feeding?
Lots of short feeds close together, often at the end of the day. It's normal behaviour and even helps keep your supply up. It says nothing about low milk.
How can I increase my milk supply?
Feeding more often is the engine: the more the breast is emptied, the more milk comes. Switch breasts within a feed and talk to a lactation consultant if it doesn't improve after a few days.
When should I get help?
Today, if there are fewer than 4 wet nappies a day, persistently sleepy feeding, or if your baby isn't back at birth weight after two weeks. Your midwife, health visitor or a lactation consultant will gladly take a look, quickly.
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