How do I know when my breastfed baby is full?

Breastfeeding seemed to be the easiest option for me to feed my babies. I was thrilled by the fact that it did not involve sterilizing bottles, worrying about baby formula expiry dates, or packing troubles when we are traveling. But with the difficulties I met along my breastfeeding journey such as not being able to share the responsibility of feeding with the partner, I was reconfirmed that there is no easy way to feed and raise a baby. 

There is a lot to know when you are new to breastfeeding but one of the popular questions that come from new mamas is when to know their breastfed baby is full and has eaten enough? If you also have that question and searching for an answer, keep reading. 

CONTENT

1.   How to know when your baby is hungry?

2.   Why does my baby want to breastfeed constantly?

3.   How do I know when my breastfed baby is full?

4.   How to know whether my baby is eating enough?

1.    How to know when your baby is hungry?

To make sure that your baby is eating enough, you have to assure that he is latching properly. If you can identify the early signs of hunger, then it is easy for you to get your baby to latch your breast in the right way. When a baby is sucking his hand, moving his head, stirring, smacking the lips, and sticking out the tongue, it indicates that he is hungry. A clenched fist is a clear sign of hunger in babies. This is the best moment to start feeding a baby.  

A baby who is crying out of hunger will suck anything that will reach his mouth and unlikely to go for a proper latch. Babies who do not latch well will also suck an excessive amount of air during breastfeeding. If you are not sure whether your baby is latching properly, seek advice from a lactation consultant or your pediatrician. 

2.    Why does my baby want to breastfeed constantly? 

When your baby demands to be fed constantly, it might worry you that he is not getting enough milk in each feed and your supply lacks. This situation is called “cluster feeding” and common among newborns in the first few weeks of their life. There can be other reasons than lack of supply which can make a baby want to eat frequently. Babies like to be fed constantly for comfort and it can also be a sign of a growth spurt. Cluster feeding helps to boost your supply and develop the bond with your baby. So there is nothing to panic about if your baby is eating constantly while showing the signs that he is full. 

3.    How do I know when my breastfed baby is full? 

• The body and hands are relaxed

When your start feeding your baby, his hands will be clenched into a fist. With time, you will notice his hands become relaxed and open. If he was holding into something tightly before like your dress, hair or the other boob, he will slowly take his hands off it. 

A hungry baby will position his body in a stiff posture and start eating as soon as the breast is out. When his tummy is getting fuller, he will cling to you more flexibly and softly. 

• Look sleepy or fall asleep. 

Breastmilk fills the baby and when he is no longer hungry, he will prefer a comfortable nap. But this should not be the only clue telling you that your baby is full as some babies can get tired while sucking and fall asleep. If you think that your baby is not full yet but has fallen asleep already try waking him up by gently touching his ears or elbows. 

• Push out the breast 

This is an obvious clue that your baby has eaten enough and is full. When the tummy is full and he does not need any more milk, he will just push the breast out. A hungry baby will not do that. 

• Being distracted

A baby who has a full tummy will be interested to know what is happening around him. A subtle noise will turn his head. A hungry baby will have only one focus, the breast!

• Wet Burps 

When your baby burps and a little bit of milk drips over his mouth, you can be sure that he is full. This should not be a spit-up where a baby throws up a mouth full of milk. 

• Breasts feel softer

During the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding, your breasts will feel heavy and hard in between the feeds. This is not a proper indicator to confirm whether you have a sufficient supply or your baby is eating enough, but your breasts feel softer and lighter after a feed. 

4.    How to know whether my baby is eating enough? 

• Wet diapers 

If your baby is having the number of wet diapers he is supposed to have for his age, it means he is eating enough. The number of wet diapers changes with the age and what the baby is feeding on but below is a quick guideline. Click here to read more about the number of wet diapers your baby should have. 

On the first day after birth, there will be only 1–2 wet diapers.

On days 2–3 of your baby’s life, expect 2–4 wet diapers.

By day 4, a baby should have 4–6 wet diapers per day.

On day 5 and onward, a baby should have 6 or more wet diapers per day.

• Weight Gain

Newborns are likely to lose weight at some point but their birth weight will be doubled by 5-6 months and tripled when they become one. If your baby is gaining weight and your pediatrician does not see a slowdown in the growth of your baby, you can relax because it is a sign that your baby is getting a sufficient amount of breastmilk.

• Sleep Patterns

If your baby sleeps well after a feeding session without being fussy, it means that he is getting enough milk and is satisfied. A baby who does not get enough milk will wake up abruptly in the middle of a regular sleep session and demand milk.