After learning about the incredibly tiny size of a newborn's stomach, especially in those first few days – truly just like a blackberry on Day 1, holding only 5-7mL – I felt a huge wave of relief. But then a new question popped up: if their tummies are so small and they eat so little at a time, how do I really know if my baby is getting enough milk? This was something I wished I knew right from the start, and it's a common worry for so many new parents. Here's what I've learned, and what helped me feel confident my little one was thriving, even with those frequent, small feeds: First, pay attention to those diapers! They are excellent indicators. In the first 24 hours (Day 1), you should expect at least one wet diaper. By Day 2, it should be two, and so on. By Day 5, your baby should be having 6-8 wet diapers a day, filled with pale yellow or clear urine. For poopy diapers, the first few days will bring sticky, black meconium. This will transition to greenish-brown on Day 3, and by Day 4-5, you should see those characteristic seedy, mustard-yellow stools, usually 3-4 or more per day. If you're seeing these, it's a great sign that milk is going in and out! Second, weight gain is key, but don't panic about initial loss. It's totally normal for newborns to lose a little weight in the first few days (up to 7-10% of their birth weight). What you're looking for is for them to regain that birth weight by about two weeks of age. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician will monitor this closely, and they’ll be your best resource for any concerns. Third, observe your baby during and after feeds. Are you hearing audible swallows? Especially after your milk comes in, you should hear regular gulps. Does your baby look content, relaxed, and sometimes even sleepy after a feed? Do their limbs feel heavy? These are all good signs. If they're still rooting around or frantic right after a feed, they might need more. Remember, frequent feeds are normal and needed, especially when their stomach is still strawberry-sized (Day 2, 10-15mL) and growing. Lastly, don't underestimate the power of skin-to-skin contact and trusting your instincts. Spending time with your baby skin-to-skin not only helps with bonding but also regulates their temperature, heart rate, and can encourage feeding cues. Recognizing those early hunger cues – like rooting, smacking lips, or turning their head – before they start crying is super helpful. Crying is a late hunger cue, and it can make latching harder. Your body truly is amazing; it responds to your baby's needs. If you ever feel unsure, reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They are there to support you through this incredible journey, ensuring both you and your little one are happy and healthy. Understanding that your body isn't behind—it’s following biology, as the original post mentioned—was a huge reassurance for me, and I hope it is for you too.