Do I have enough milk?

Many parents wonder if they are producing enough milk to meet their babies needs. Most parents will produce enough milk and there are a number of ways that you can tell.

There is no set amount of time for how long your baby should feed at your breast/chest. In the early days it may seem as though it takes a very long time to feed your baby. It is normal to feed eight or more times in 24 hours. Learn more about how often and how long you should feed your baby.

It is also important to look for signs that your baby is ready to nurse. Crying is generally a late cue so look for common feeding cues and behaviours. Watch HealthLinkBC's video about baby feeding cues and behaviours.

Good signs that your baby is getting enough milk:

• Your baby wakes for feeding
• Your baby is feeding eight or more times in 24 hours
• You can see your baby sucking and swallowing
• You can hear a soft “kaah” sound as your baby swallows
• Your baby comes off the breast/chest satisfied
• Your breasts/chest feels softer after feeding
• Your baby produces enough wet/soiled diapers
• Your baby gains weight: 20-30 grams per day

Sometimes babies need extra milk (supplements) even when breastfed/chestfeed. Learn more about when and how to supplement with extra milk.

If you are concerned with your milk supply, find ways to increase your milk supply.

Breastfeeding alone can provide all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months – with one notable exception being Vitamin D.

For the first six months, feeding your baby breast/chest milk only, is recommended. Your baby does not need any food, water, or juice.

Health Canada recommends all breastfed or partially breastfed healthy, full-term babies get a liquid vitamin D3 supplement of 400 IU (10 mcg) every day, from birth until 12 months of age.

Vitamin D helps your body use calcium for strong bones and teeth. It also helps muscles, nerves, and your immune system work properly.

Children who don’t get enough vitamin D may not grow to their full potential. They also have a chance of developing a rare disease called rickets, which causes weak bones.

Vitamin D supplements are available at pharmacies and grocery stores.  Check the labels carefully to be sure you are choosing Vitamin D for babies. The dose should be 400 IU (10mcg) per drop or 1 mL dropper.  Always check to make sure the supplement has a Natural Product Number (NPN), especially if you buy it online. Look for the NPN on the bottle. This number tells you that Health Canada finds the product safe and useful if you follow the directions on the package. If you are unsure of which supplement to buy, ask the pharmacist.

Giving Vitamin D to your baby:

• Always use the dropper from the supplement box.
• Dropper - hold your baby in a semi-upright position with head supported, place dropper to the side of your baby's tongue and squeeze slowly, or squeeze 1 mL (400 IU) onto a small spoon and let your baby suck it off.
• Baby D drops - put one drop (400 IU/10 mcg) on the nipple or clean finger and let your baby suck it off.
• Do not drop the supplement directly into your babies mouth.

We do not usually recommend non-human milks, such as infant formula. Formula is not the same as your milk.

• It doesn’t have the antibodies, living cells, enzymes or hormones that protect your baby from infections and diseases now, and later in life.
• Bottling may cause problems for your baby going back on the breast/chest after using a bottle nipple.
• Your breasts/chest may become hard and sore (as the milk is not being removed).
• Your milk supply could go away.
• Your baby doesn't receive all the neurological and emotional benefits of breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
• It is an added expense: $220 - $530 per month.

Before you choose to use a non-human milk/formula, talk to your local public health nurse. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding support is available seven days a week. If you use non-human milk/formula for medical or personal reasons, make sure to use a commercial infant formula.

What if I choose to use non-human milk/formula?

If you use non-human milk/formula for medical or personal reasons, make sure to use a commercial infant formula.  t is not recommended to make your own home-made formula, as it will not provide the essential nutrients and calories your baby needs. Formula must be prepared and stored properly to prevent contamination with harmful bacteria. Find instructions and tips from HealthLink BC on feeding your baby formula.

It is not recommended to make your own home-made formula, as it will not provide the essential nutrients and calories your baby needs. Formula must be prepared and stored properly to prevent contamination with harmful bacteria. Find instructions and tips from HealthLink BC on feeding your baby formula.