Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk. Tips from a Midwife

If I had a pound for every time a new mother told me she had no milk, I would be very rich. Many mothers worry about whether their baby is getting enough milk, especially when breastfeeding is painful or challenging. As a midwife, I want to share clear, practical advice based on UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) standards to help you understand how to tell if your baby is feeding well and getting enough milk.

Mother breastfeeding newborn baby, showing close contact and calm environment

How to Recognise If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

UNICEF BFI standards focus on supporting mothers to breastfeed effectively and confidently. One key part is knowing the signs that your baby is feeding well and receiving enough milk. Here are the main indicators:

• Baby’s weight gain: After the first few days, your baby should start gaining weight steadily. Most babies lose some weight in the first 3-5 days but should regain it by two weeks old.

• Number of wet and dirty nappies: By day 5, expect at least 6 wet nappies and 3 or more dirty nappies daily. This shows your baby is well hydrated and digesting milk.

• Baby’s behaviour: A satisfied baby will seem content after feeds, have good muscle tone, and be alert during waking hours.

• Feeding frequency: Newborns usually feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. Frequent feeding helps stimulate milk production.

• Swallowing sounds: You may hear your baby swallowing during feeds, which means milk transfer is happening.

  
  

If you notice your baby is sleepy, not feeding often, or has fewer wet nappies, it’s worth seeking support early.

Why Breastfeeding Can Hurt and How to Manage It

Many mothers ask me, why does breastfeeding hurt? or is breastfeeding supposed to hurt? Breastfeeding pain is common in the first weeks but should not be ignored. Understanding the causes helps you find solutions.

Common Causes of Breastfeeding Pain

• Poor latch: If your baby’s latch is shallow, breastfeeding hurts when baby latches because the nipple is compressed instead of the areola being in the mouth.

• Nipple pain breastfeeding causes include cracked nipples, nipple damage, or a painful latch.

• Sharp pain during breastfeeding may indicate tongue-tie or thrush.

• Breastfeeding pain one side could be due to blocked ducts or mastitis.

• Burning pain breastfeeding often happens in the early days as nipples adjust.

  
  

Many concerns about milk supply come from uncertainty and lack of consistent support.

If you’re supporting mothers — or want to feel more confident understanding feeding — developing evidence-based knowledge makes a significant difference.

👉 Learn more about our breastfeeding educator courses

How to Stop Breastfeeding Pain

• Make sure your baby’s mouth covers a large part of the areola, not just the nipple.

• Try different breastfeeding positions to find what’s comfortable.

• Use nipple creams or expressed breast milk to soothe cracked nipples.

• If pain continues despite a good latch, ask a lactation consultant or midwife for help.

• Avoid using harsh soaps or alcohol on nipples, which can worsen pain.

  
  

Remember, painful breastfeeding is not something you have to endure silently. Early support can prevent long-term problems.

What to Do If You Think Your Baby Is Not Getting Enough Milk

If you worry about your milk supply, here are some steps to take:

• Responsive feeding: Let your baby guide feeding times rather than sticking to a strict schedule.

• Ensure effective latch: A good latch helps milk flow and reduces nipple pain.

• Watch for feeding cues: Rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness can signal hunger.

• Avoid unnecessary formula: Supplementing too early can reduce your milk supply.

• Seek professional support: Midwives and breastfeeding educators can assess feeding and offer tailored advice.

  
  

Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions

If you experience breastfeeding pain but good latch, it may be due to other causes like infection or sensitivity, so professional advice is important.

Midwife Tips to Build Confidence

• Focus on your baby, not the clock

• Watch for feeding cues, not schedules

• Get support early if unsure

• Avoid comparing your journey to others

Common Myths About Milk Supply

• “My baby feeds a lot, so I must not have enough milk”

• “My breasts feel soft, so my supply is low”

• “My baby is fussy, so my milk isn’t enough”

Mother using nursing pillow to support baby during breastfeeding, promoting comfort and good latch

When to Get Help

Painful latch breastfeeding or persistent nipple pain breastfeeding causes should never be ignored. If you experience:

• Sharp pain during breastfeeding that lasts

• Cracked nipples breastfeeding that do not heal

• Burning pain breastfeeding or signs of infection

• Breastfeeding pain one side with redness or swelling

  
  

Contact your midwife, health visitor, or a breastfeeding specialist. Early intervention can prevent complications like mastitis or nipple damage.

Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby. If you want to feel more confident and prepared, consider joining antenatal breastfeeding courses. I offer practical, evidence-based courses that follow UNICEF BFI standards to help you understand feeding cues, latch techniques, and how to manage breastfeeding pain.

Visit my website for more information and to book your place: https://www.breastfeedingeducatorhub.co.uk/antenatal-courses