"Am I making enough milk?" is one of the most common worries for new parents. In the vast majority of cases, the answer is yes - but knowing the genuine signs of adequate feeding can replace anxiety with confidence.
Signs feeding is going well
Steady weight gain after the initial post-birth dip (most babies regain birth weight by two weeks). At least six wet nappies a day from day five onwards. Soft yellow poos for breastfed babies (at least twice daily in the early weeks, though this can reduce after six weeks). Your baby seems content after most feeds. You can hear rhythmic swallowing during feeds.
What's normal but worrying
Cluster feeding (feeding every hour, especially in the evenings) is not a sign of low supply - it's how babies stimulate more milk production. Fussy evenings are developmental, not hunger. Growth spurts at around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months cause temporarily increased feeding. Your breasts feeling softer after the first few weeks means your supply has regulated, not dropped.
When to actually worry
Fewer than six wet nappies in 24 hours after day five. Your baby is not back to birth weight by two weeks. Dark concentrated urine. Your baby is persistently sleepy and hard to wake for feeds. Significant weight loss (more than 10% of birth weight).