GROW: How to Know if Your Baby is Getting Enough

Written By Kaylee Rabaja

Whether you're nursing your first baby or your fourth, it's completely normal to wonder if breastfeeding is going well. Unlike bottle feeding, we can't see exactly how much milk baby is taking at the breast, which can leave many parents questioning if their little one is getting enough.

The Problem:

Since we can't see how many ounces baby is taking at the breast, it's totally normal to wonder if your baby is getting what they need. The good news? Your baby gives us plenty of clues that feeding is going well.

Instead of focusing on how full your breasts feel or how long baby nurses, we like to use the G.R.O.W. Method.

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G: Growth

Babies who are getting enough milk grow.

Look for:

  • Weight loss less than 10% after birth (almost all babies will lose some weight after birth, this is normal!)

  • Typical weight gain is about 4–7 oz per week after the early newborn period

  • Return to birth weight by about 2 weeks

  • Steady weight gain afterward

O = Output

Diapers are one of our best indicators.

Quick Diaper Goal Graphic

Day 1: 1 wet / 1 dirty
Day 2: 2 wet / 2 dirty
Day 3: 3 wet / 2 dirty
Day 6+: 6+ wet / 2+ dirty

W = Without Pain & Well latched

Breastfeeding shouldn't cause ongoing damage.

Look for:

  • Comfortable latch

  • Swallowing sounds

  • Rounded nipples after feeds, not flat, compressed nipples

  • No persistent cracking or bleeding

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What's Normal

(And Doesn't Mean Low Supply)

  • Cluster feeding (baby wanting to nurse very frequently, sometimes within less than an hour apart)

  • Baby wanting to nurse every hour, especially in the evening. Our target is 8-12 feeds in 24 hours, so feedings may range from 1-3 hours, occasionally with a longer stretch of sleep

  • Softer breasts after a few weeks (this is your supply regulating!) This does not mean your supply is dropping, we expect your breasts to eventually regulate and be comfortable, not engorged all of the time

  • Baby nursing for comfort

  • Frequent night waking

  • Baby wanting to be held all the time

These are all normal infant behaviors and do not automatically mean your supply is low or baby is not getting enough.

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Quick Tips

✔ Watch your baby, not the clock. Babies rarely eat on a schedule! They are mini humans and eat just like us. Sometimes they are hungrier earlier, and other times they are full for longer. It’s normal to have feeds that range in time, some feeds could be a couple of minutes, others up to 30-40 min+ of active sucking

✔ Feed with early hunger cues. Sucking on hands, looking for a breast, suckling and sticking out the tongue (even if eyes are closed!) are all signs your baby is ready for a feeding. Babies tend to latch better when they are awake and calm rather than mid sleep cycle or crying from hunger.

✔ Skin-to-skin can help support feeding and milk production.

✔ Reach out for help sooner rather than later if you're concerned.

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When to Seek Help

Reach out to an IBCLC or healthcare provider if:

• feeds remain painful

• baby is slipping off repeatedly

• nipples are cracked or damaged

• baby seems frustrated at feeds

• you’re unsure baby is transferring milk well

• breastfeeding is causing significant stress or anxiety

Schedule a 1:1 Virtual Consultation

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, pediatrician, or a qualified lactation consultant regarding any medical concerns or questions.

Kaylee Rabaja
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