To help prevent the spread of winter viruses such as Covid-19, influenza and norovirus (winter vomiting bug), and to protect our patients and staff, please do not visit patients in our hospitals if you have: flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, cold); Covid-19 or influenza, or any other infections; diarrhoea and/or vomiting within the last two days.

Sub menu

Signs of an effective breastfeed

“I haven’t got enough milk” “I can’t tell how much he’s having”. These are often the feelings of a breastfeeding mother. However, although you cannot see the volume of a feed when breastfeeding there are a number of other ways to know that your baby is getting enough milk. Read through the steps below to guide you.

  • Your baby detaches from the breast spontaneously
  • You notice wet and dirty nappies
  • Each feed is between 5-40 minutes
  • Your baby is feeding 8-10 times within a 24 hour period
  • Your baby is settled after a feed
  • They also wake for the next feed
  • Your nipples aren’t sore and haven’t changed shape following a feed.

The following list goes into more detail and is a useful checklist to knowing you’re doing well.

UNICEF UK mothers breastfeeding checklist