Milk supply

Do I have enough milk for my baby in the first few days after birth?

Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. In the early days, your breasts produce colostrum which is low in quantity to match your baby’s tiny stomach. If your baby sucks well and often, your mature milk supply will come in four-six days after the birth. Breastfeeding problems can affect supply, so if your baby is not correctly latched on or breastfeeding is too painful, expressing is recommended to build up supply and maintain it. Weight gain and four-six soiled disposable nappies a day indicate you are doing well.
For more information, see:
Breastfeeding - The Science
Breastfeeding a premature baby

When will my milk come in?

Mature milk comes in at around the third or fourth day after birth but can take up to 6 – this appears thinner than colostrum, the early breast milk, and the supply is more abundant. Early in a feed, your baby receives foremilk, which is thirst-quenching. If your baby continues feeding, they will get hindmilk, which has more fat and calories to satisfy hunger.
For more information, see:
Breastfeeding - The Science

My breasts seem empty. Do I have enough milk?

When your milk supply is established, breasts will become softer as milk is made when needed. Many mums experience an oversupply in the early weeks, which makes breasts very full and hard to the touch. If your baby is latched on well, is putting on weight and is healthy, there are no grounds for concern. If you are still worried about your supply, feed your baby more often – the more your baby sucks, the more milk your body makes – and/or express. Seek medical help if you have any concerns about your baby’s progress.

I have milk but the baby isn’t getting any. What do I do?

If your baby has a poor latch, is too weak to breastfeed or refuses the breast, you should seek support from a healthcare professional and a lactation consultant. Do this as early as you can to preserve your milk supply. If you want to give breast milk to your baby, you can try expressing and feeding it to your baby with a cup, spoon, bottle or even a syringe.

How much do I need to pump for each feed?

Research shows that exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 19-30oz (570-900ml) per day. Babies younger than one month old and older babies on solids have a lower daily intake. Every baby is different, so it’s best to discuss this issue with a healthcare professional to make sure. Mums who are exclusively breastfeeding can express around half to two ounces from both breasts per session. Some mums can pump more, but it’s normal to need to express two or three times to get enough breast milk for one feed. Some mums have negative experiences with breast pumps - this has nothing to do with their supply as a pump cannot extract as much milk as a baby.
For more information, see:
Expressing
Storing breast milk

Is it true that many women do not produce enough milk?

Most women produce enough milk to feed their babies, many even have an oversupply. If the baby doesn’t get the milk, they might not be able to suck. Very premature babies (when a child is born before 37 weeks, when a newborn is considered full term) might have a poor latch (the most common reason) or be too ill to feed. Seek support if your baby has a poor latch as it’s easier to correct if spotted early on.

When will I know the baby has enough?

A baby who can breastfeed well will detach from the breast when they have had enough or falls asleep. If your baby is healthy and gaining weight, you are doing well. If you have any concerns, talk to a healthcare professional and or lactation consultant.

Can I overfeed my baby?

No, you can’t overfeed a breastfed baby. A healthy baby is able to regulate intake according to his/her appetite or needs - if your baby is just thirsty, they will feed for shorter periods. Your baby will stop when they have had enough. It is normal for young babies to eat often, as their stomach is small and breast milk is easily digested.

 

How long can I keep breast milk?

Freshly expressed breast milk, placed in a closed container, can be kept at room temperature (no warmer than 26C) for up to eight hours; in a fridge (4ºC or lower) for 3-5 days (do not leave in the door of the fridge), 3 months in a fridge freezer and six months in a chest freezer.
For more information, see:
Expressing
Storing breast milk

Can you freeze breast milk?

Yes, you can. Use suitable sterilised containers and store it for up to six months in a chest freezer. If you are freezing breast milk in batches for long periods, mark the containers with the date of expressing.
For more information, see:
Expressing
Storing breast milk