Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and those first few days and weeks can bring a mix of joy, uncertainty, and plenty of questions.
From figuring out if your baby is getting enough milk to managing sore nipples or navigating cluster feeds, it’s completely normal to need support as you find your rhythm.
We asked our child health and lactation experts at the Ellen Barron Family Centre to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about breastfeeding to help guide you through the early days and beyond.
Common breastfeeding questions and challenges
What are some of the benefits of breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding offers your baby the ideal mix of nutrients they need to grow and develop. Breastmilk naturally adjusts the mix of nutrients to meet the baby’s nutritional requirements and is always the right temperature.
It can also reduce the risk of allergy and ear infections and lower the chance of chronic illness with age.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
In the first few days, babies drink small amounts of colostrum, the nutrient-packed early breastmilk. You can monitor intake through nappies:
- Day 1: Poo is sticky and green-black
- By Day 5: Poo shifts to softer and greener, and then yellow. Here’s a guide to the typical baby poos and wees you can expect.
- Wee Check: Dark and yellow wee with a strong smell may signal dehydration. Seek medical advice if this is happening.
- Feeding Frequency: Newborns often feed 12 or more times in 24 hours, including overnight.
Most babies can lose up to 10 per cent of their weight in their first few days after birth but should be back to their birth weight by 14 days old. As your milk supply increases and changes, look out for at least five wet nappies with pale-coloured wees each day. If you are using cloth nappies, you can expect between six and eight wet nappies.
After the first six weeks, babies are getting enough milk if they are putting on enough weight for their age. The general guideline for a baby to double their birth weight by four to six months old and triple their birth weight around their first birthday.
Am I producing enough milk? Or too much?
Most women produce enough milk to feed their baby. Your milk supply responds to how often your baby feeds. Signs of healthy supply include regular wet nappies and weight gain.
Oversupply can be a problem for some mums, especially in the first few weeks, causing feeding difficulties for the baby and over-full, lumpy or tight breasts overnight. Seek support from your Child Health Nurse or the Australian Breastfeeding Association if this occurs. Once your baby is older than six weeks, if your baby is growing, then you are producing enough milk.
My baby keeps vomiting up milk. Is this normal?
Babies often spit up or “posset” their milk after feeds. They can bring up the milk suddenly. This is because their system is not yet mature and is totally normal.
If your baby appears distressed by this or is bringing up large amounts after most feeds, a medical review is recommended to assess baby’s health and exclude or diagnose reflux.
My baby wants to feed all the time
Totally normal. Babies vary how often and how long they feed.
You may notice your baby:
- Cluster feeds: Short frequent feeds in close succession
- Has unpredictable rhythms: Overnight or daytime variations
Remember, your breastmilk is constantly changing to meet your growing baby’s nutritional needs. As your baby gets older, this may change to more predictable feeding patterns with longer between feeds at night and the majority of feeds by day.
I have painful and sore nipples. Why is this happening?
When you and your baby are learning to feed together, it can be difficult or uncomfortable.
Cracked nipples, bruises and pain when breastfeeding can sometimes occur when baby is not attached well to the breast.
You can try:
- Supporting your baby with positioning and attachment.
- Using nipple shields to protect the nipple against further damage whilst skin heals.
- Applying some breastmilk or commercial creams to nipples after feeds.
For more information and support
- Australian Breastfeeding Association
- 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84): A child health nurse is available through the Queensland Health hotline from 6.30am to 11pm on weekdays
- Visit your local child health nurse at Parenting Support and Early Feeding Drop-In Clinics
- Speak with your health professional about a referral to the Ellen Barron Family Centre for additional support.