Signs That a Baby Is Not Getting Enough Breast Milk
Disease description:
My baby is currently 4 months old. These two days, he/she hasn't been drinking much milk before stopping, but shortly afterward starts crying again. I think it's possible that he/she isn't getting enough breast milk. I would like to ask, what are the usual signs indicating that a baby is not getting enough breast milk?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Signs that a baby is not getting enough breast milk generally include reduced urine output, shortened sleep duration, and frequent crying or demands for feeding.
1. **Reduced urine output**: Since breast milk consists mainly of water, when a baby doesn't get enough breast milk, urine output will noticeably decrease.
2. **Shortened sleep duration**: If a baby is not adequately fed, his or her sleep duration may become shorter. Babies who receive sufficient milk usually can go about 2.5 to 3 hours between feedings, during which they may sleep or play, before demanding the next feeding. Babies who are not getting enough milk may experience reduced sleep and frequent night wakings.
3. **Frequent crying and demands for feeding**: If a baby can go 2–3 hours, or even 3–4 hours, without demanding a feeding after a meal, this indicates sufficient breast milk supply. Conversely, if the baby cries frequently and shows signs of hunger or demands feeding every hour, it is usually a sign of insufficient breast milk intake.
