Signs of Breastfeeding Well

Almost all parents go through a period when they think they don’t have enough breast milk.

Sometimes parents worry about this when their baby is just born. Other times it is after breastfeeding is well established. The good news is that most individuals have more than enough breast milk to feed their baby.

Having your baby breastfeed well and often in the first weeks will help you to build a healthy breast milk supply. Breastfeed your baby at least eight times in 24 hours (day and night). Get help right away if your baby is not showing signs of breastfeeding well.

Breastfeeding Reminders:

  • Early and often
  • Effective (optimal latch)
  • Exclusive (no supplementation)
  • You will feel: your breast being pulled or tugged with no pain
  • You will hear: your baby swallowing (a quiet, exhaled kaa kaa kaa)
  • You will see:
    • Baby is comfortable and does not appear distressed during feeding
    • Baby will take feeding pauses, fewer at the beginning and more as the feed continues
    • Your nipples may become elongated after breastfeeding but not pinched, blanched or damaged
    • During suckling, there is a wide jaw opening and slight pause as milk transfers into the baby’s mouth (open-pause-close)

Video: Really Good Drinking (02:00). Reproduced by permission of Breastfeeding Inc.

Video: Good Drinking (02:00). Reproduced by permission of Breastfeeding Inc.

In the early days, urine can be concentrated, noticeably yellow, and sometimes has an odour. As breast milk volume increases, baby’s urine will become pale or clear and odourless. The volume of urine increases, and wet diapers are noticeably heavier.

Baby’s Age Wet Diapers Each Day Stools Each Day
One day old At least one wet diaper (a wet diaper feels like at least two tablespoons or 45 ml (three tablespoons) of water poured on a dry diaper). At least one to two sticky dark green/black stools (meconium).
Two days old At least two wet diapers. At least one to two sticky dark green/black stools (meconium).
Three days old At least three heavy wet diapers. At least three or more brown/green/yellow stools.
Four days old At least four heavy wet diapers. At least three or more brown/green/yellow stools.
Five to seven days old At least six heavy wet diapers with pale yellow or clear urine. At least three large, soft, yellow, seedy stools (a large stool is the size of a quarter or larger).

Baby should not be passing any meconium at this age.
Two to three weeks At least six heavy wet diapers with pale yellow or clear urine. At least three large, soft, yellow, seedy stools.

 

See Best Start’s resource, Signs That Feeding Is Going Well (PDF).

  • Breastfed babies may lose seven to eight per cent or less of their birth weight in the first few days after birth.
  • Babies born by Caesarean birth tend to lose more weight on average (closer to eight percent) and take longer to regain their birth weight.
  • Babies reach their lowest weight within three to four days of delivery.
  • Should return to their birth weight by ten to 14 days of age.
  • Should show a pattern of weight gain by four to six days.
  • Should gain at least 25-35 grams (0.9-1.2 oz.) a day in the first four months of age.
  • Your baby has a loud cry
  • Your baby’s mouth is wet and pink
  • Your baby’s eyes look alert
  • Your baby moves actively
  • Your baby comes off the breast looking relaxed and sleepy
  • Your breasts feel softer and less full after breastfeeding