What Is a Weighted Feeding — and Why It Matters for Your Breastfeeding Journey

For many parents, one of the biggest stressors in the early weeks of feeding is this question:“Is my baby getting enough milk?”

A weighted feeding is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get a clear, evidence-based answer. As an IBCLC, I use weighted feeds regularly to guide care plans, relieve uncertainty, and build confidence for families—often within a single session.

If you’ve ever found yourself worrying about supply, latch, or weight gain, a weighted feeding can bring instant clarity.

What Is a Weighted Feeding?

A weighted feeding (also called a pre- and post-feed weight) is when your baby is weighed immediately before feedingand then again immediately after feeding.

Because modern pediatric scales measure to the gram, the difference in weight shows exactly how much milk your baby transferred during that feeding.

It’s quick. It’s painless. It’s incredibly accurate.

And most importantly—it gives us real data to understand how feeding is going.

Why Weighted Feedings Are So Helpful

1. You get real numbers, not guesswork

Weighted feeds remove all the “what-ifs.” Instead of trying to guess how much baby ate based on fussiness or time at the breast, we get direct measurement of milk intake.

2. It helps identify latch or positioning issues

If milk transfer is low, we can quickly explore why:

• Is baby sliding off the nipple?

• Are they struggling to maintain suction?

• Does positioning need an adjustment for a deeper latch?

• Are oral motor skills affecting the feed?

A weighted feed points us in the right direction immediately.

3. It helps evaluate milk supply

Weighted feeds show whether your supply is currently meeting your baby’s needs. If not, we can discuss strategies to support supply, protect your production, and ensure baby continues to gain well.

4. It guides a personalized feeding plan

Every baby is different. Every parent is different. Weighted feeds help me create a plan that fits your baby’s intake needs, feeding abilities, and developmental stage.

5. It brings huge peace of mind

The moment parents see the number on the scale, you can almost feel their shoulders drop.Knowing exactly what your baby transferred—down to the milliliter—allows you to move forward with confidence.

⭐ And here’s the part most parents love:

You don’t need a scale at home to feel confident every day.

A weighted feeding gives us the data once—but I teach you how to confidently assess feeding without a scale moving forward!

During your consult, you’ll learn how to observe and understand:

• Sucks and swallows and what efficient feeding sounds like

• Active feeding vs. passive nibbling

• How baby’s feeding patterns change throughout the feed

• How your breasts feel before and after

• What a satisfied baby looks like at the end

  
  

These skills give you the ability to know, in real time, if baby is feeding well—no scale required.

Weighted feeds give clarity.Your education gives confidence at home, day after day.

What a Weighted Feeding Looks Like During a Consult

During an in-person consultation, here’s what you can expect:

1. Pre-feed weight: Baby is weighed in just a diaper.

2. Full feeding at the breast: I support you with latch, positioning, and comfort.

3. Post-feed weight: Baby is weighed again.

4. Milk transfer calculation: The difference tells us how much baby ate.

5. Care Plan: We discuss next steps based on what the numbers show—this may include latch adjustments, new positions to try, supply support, or follow-up strategies.

   
   

The entire process is calm, gentle, and simple. Most parents are surprised by how quick it is and how much clarity it brings.

Is a Weighted Feeding Right for You?

A weighted feeding is especially helpful if:

• You’re concerned about milk supply

• Baby seems fussy, frustrated, or unsatisfied after feeds

• You’re managing slow weight gain

• You want to know if your current routine is working

• Breastfeeding feels painful or inconsistent

• You’re preparing to return to work and want to understand baby’s intake

  
  

Even if breastfeeding is going smoothly, many families choose weighted feeds simply for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Weighted feedings are one of the most powerful tools we have in lactation care. They turn uncertainty into clarity, and stress into confidence.

If you’re wondering whether your baby is getting enough—or if you want a personalized, data-driven feeding plan—I’d love to support you.

Ready for clarity and confidence?

If you’re feeling unsure or want someone to walk through this with you, I’m here!

You’re welcome to schedule a visit whenever you feel ready.

Latched Wellness with Lisa Thude RN, BSN, IBCLC