Expert Guidance for FAQs

This is one of the most common worries for new parents, and in most cases, your body is already doing exactly what your baby needs.

Rather than focusing on how much milk you can see or express, it’s more helpful to look at your baby and their behaviour.

Signs your baby is getting enough milk:

• Regular wet and dirty nappies (at least 6 wet nappies per day after the early days)

• Steady weight gain over time

• Your baby seems settled and content after most feeds

• You can hear or see swallowing during feeds

• Your breasts feel softer after feeding

Things that don’t reliably indicate low supply:

• Wanting to feed frequently (this is normal, especially in the evenings)

• Fussiness or cluster feeding

• Not expressing much milk when pumping

• Your breasts feeling softer than they did in the early days

Breastfeeding works on a supply-and-demand basis so the more your baby feeds effectively, the more milk your body will produce.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Support early on can make a huge difference and help you feel more confident in your feeding journey.

When to seek a little extra support

• Ongoing pain during feeds

• Concerns about weight gain

• Very unsettled feeds or long, tiring feeding sessions

• Fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected

If you’re unsure, you don’t have to figure it out alone, a feeding assessment can help you understand exactly what’s going on and give you a clear plan moving forward.

It’s very normal to wonder if your baby is feeding “too much” or “not enough”, but in most cases, frequent feeding is exactly what your baby needs.

Newborn babies typically feed at least 8–12 times in 24 hours, and sometimes more. Feeding patterns can vary from day to day, and it’s common for babies to have periods where they want to feed very frequently.

What’s normal:

• Feeding every 1.5 - 3 hours, sometimes closer together

• Cluster feeding, especially in the evenings/night time

• Feeding more during growth spurts or developmental changes

• Short feeds or longer feeds - both can be normal

Frequent feeding isn’t usually a sign of low supply, it’s your baby’s way of building and maintaining it.

Why babies feed often:

• Their stomachs are small

• Breast milk is easily digested

• They feed for both nutrition and comfort

• It helps regulate your milk supply

When to seek a little extra support:

• Very long, tiring feeds with little settling in between

• Baby not feeding actively or seems very sleepy

• Concerns about nappies or weight gain

• Feeding feels overwhelming or constant without breaks

Feeding your baby responsively by following their cues rather than the clock, helps support both your baby’s needs and your milk supply.

Some tenderness in the early days can be common as your body adjusts but ongoing pain, cracked nipples or discomfort that makes you dread feeds is not something you have to just put up with.

Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful.

In most cases, sore nipples are a sign that something in the feeding is not quite right, often related to positioning, latch, or how your baby is attaching at the breast.

Common causes of sore nipples:

• A shallow latch

• Subtle positioning issues

• Baby slipping on and off the breast

• Tongue tie or oral restrictions

• Engorgement making it harder for baby to latch deeply

What it might look or feel like:

• Pinching, rubbing or sharp pain during feeds

• Nipples appearing flattened, creased or lipstick-shaped after feeding

• Cracked, bleeding or damaged skin

• Pain that continues throughout the feed or afterwards

What can help:

• Adjusting positioning and attachment

• Ensuring a deep, comfortable latch

• Feeding responsively (before baby becomes very upset)

• Letting a few drops of breast milk air dry on the nipple after feeds

Small adjustments can make a big difference, and often quickly.

When to seek support

• Pain is ongoing or worsening

• Nipples are damaged or not healing

• Feeding feels stressful or overwhelming

• You’re considering stopping because of discomfort

You don’t need to “push through” pain to breastfeed successfully, with the right support, feeding can feel comfortable and enjoyable.

In many cases, yes - milk supply can often be increased with the right support and approach.

Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis, which means the more effectively and frequently milk is removed from the breast, the more your body is signalled to produce.

Ways to support and increase milk supply:

• Feed frequently and responsively (following your baby’s cues)

• Ensure your baby has a deep, effective latch

• Offer both breasts during feeds

• Use breast compressions to keep milk flowing

• Add in pumping after or between feeds if needed (if you’re considering this, it can be really helpful to discuss it with a healthcare professional first to ensure it’s right for your situation)

• Spend time skin-to-skin with your baby

Even small adjustments can make a noticeable difference over time.

Things to be mindful of:

• Long gaps between feeds can reduce supply

• Ineffective latch or positioning can limit milk transfer

• Stress, exhaustion and recovery after birth can all have an impact

• Pump output is not always a true reflection of your supply

When to seek support

• You’re worried your supply feels low

• Your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected

• Feeds feel long, unsettled or unclear

• You’re unsure where to start or what’s normal

Every feeding journey is different, and understanding what’s happening for you is key.

With the right support, many parents are able to protect and build their milk supply in a way that feels manageable and sustainable.

It’s very common for babies to have periods where they seem unsettled, fussy or harder to soothe, especially in the early weeks and months.

This can happen for a number of reasons, including feeding patterns, tiredness, development, or simply needing comfort and closeness. In many cases, it’s a normal part of your baby adjusting to the world around them.

Some common reasons include:

• Wanting to feed more frequently

• Tiredness or becoming overstimulated

• Digestive discomfort (such as wind)

• Needing reassurance, comfort or closeness

When to seek a little extra support:

• You’re unsure if feeding is going well

• Your baby seems very unsettled during or after feeds

• You have concerns about weight gain or nappies

• You feel worried or overwhelmed

Every baby is different, and unsettled behaviour can sometimes have more than one cause. Understanding what’s happening for your baby can make things feel much clearer and more manageable.