If you’ve found yourself staring at your baby while they nurse (or take a bottle) and wondering, “Are they getting enough?” , you’re not alone.
Almost every new mom worries about this at some point (and often), especially in those foggy early weeks when everything feels new and uncertain.
Feeding your baby isn’t just about nutrition - it’s emotional, too. You want to make sure your little one is thriving and that you’re doing it “right.” So let’s take a deep breath and walk through some of the most common questions new moms ask about feeding.
In the first few weeks, most newborns need to eat, at minimum, every 2–3 hours, which usually means 8–12 feedings in 24 hours.
That might sound like a lot (and it is!) but newborn stomachs are tiny (about the size of a cherry at birth). They digest milk quickly and need frequent refills.
You might notice your baby cluster feeding (wanting to nurse or bottle-feed every hour for a stretch, especially overnight). This is totally normal, especially during growth spurts and overnight, when your milk volumes are the highest).
It doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk, it’s actually your baby’s way of signaling your body to make more.
As your baby grows, they’ll gradually stretch out feedings and start sleeping longer between them.
Feed on demand rather than by the clock. Babies are great at telling you when they’re hungry (rooting, sucking on hands, fussing) and when they’ve had enough (turning away, slowing down, relaxing their hands). All babies lose some weight in the first 24hrs and they have about 2 weeks to get back to their birth weight. If your baby hasn't woken up to feed by 3 hours, you should wake your baby to feed them. This should continue until your baby is back to its birth weight (which can take ~2 weeks).
This is the number one question every breastfeeding mom asks. Since you can’t see how much milk your baby is taking in, you have to look for other signs that they’re well-fed.
Here’s what to watch for:
If you’re ever unsure, check in with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can do a quick weighted feed (weighing your baby before and after nursing) to see exactly how much milk they’re getting.
Yes, absolutely.
If your baby needs a little extra milk or you’re struggling with supply, supplementing with formula is perfectly okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and it doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Supplementation also doesn't have to be with formula - you can pump expressed breastmilk.
Sometimes supplementation is temporary. For example, if your milk is still coming in, your baby is having trouble latching, your baby has jaundice and is too sleepy at feeds. Other times, it becomes part of your ongoing routine. What matters most is that your baby is fed, growing, and content and that you feel confident and supported in your feeding plan.
If you do decide to supplement, you can:
There’s no one “right” way: just what works for you and your baby.
For most moms, some tenderness in the first week or two is normal as your nipples adjust. It's also normal for the first 20ish seconds to feel uncomfortable. Baby has to stretch the nipple 2.5x it's current size before it starts to get milk transfer!
But pain (cracked nipples, pinching, or soreness that makes you dread feedings) isn’t something you just have to power through.
If it hurts beyond those first few days, it’s often a sign of a latch issue.
Try these quick checks:
If something feels off, reach out for help right away. A lactation consultant can watch a feeding and often fix things within minutes. Relief can be that quick.
And here’s some encouragement: once you and your baby find your rhythm, breastfeeding typically becomes comfortable (and even relaxing) within a few weeks.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, using formula, or a mix of all three: you’re feeding your baby with love.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s connection and nourishment.
If you ever find yourself doubting or worrying, remember:
Fed is best, and supported is even better.
