Signs of Breastfeeding Well

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

This can happen in the first few days after birth or even later when breastfeeding is well established. The good news is that most parents produce more than enough breast milk for their baby.
Breastfeed early and often in the first weeks helps build and maintain a healthy breast milk supply. Breastfeed at least 8 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-frequent feeds help build milk supply
  • Effective latch-a good latch supports milk transfer
  • Exclusive breastfeeding -avoid no supplementation unless medically needed

What A Good Latch Looks and Feels Like
During a good latch, you may notice all or most of these signs:

Feel:

  • Gentle pulling or tugging on your breast
  • No pain during feeding

Hear:

  • Swallowing sounds, often describes as a soft “kaa,kaa,kaa”

See:

  • Your baby looks calm and comfortable during feeding
  • Pauses while feeding, (fewer at the beginning and more as the feed continues)
  • Your nipples may become elongated after breastfeeding but not pinched, lightened or damaged
  • During suckling, baby’s jaw opens wide with a slight pause as milk transfers into the baby’s mouth (open-pause-close).

Watch these helpful videos.

Breastfeeding - Really Good Drinking

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

 

In the early days, baby’s urine may be dark yellow and have a smell. As breast milk volume increases, baby’s urine will become pale or clear and odourless and the diapers feel 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.

 

  • It is normal for breastfed babies to lose about 7 to 8% of their birth weight in the first few days after birth.
  • Babies born by Caesarean birth may lose a little more weight on average (closer to 8%) and may take longer to regain it.
  • Most babies reach their lowest weight between 3 and 4 days after birth.
  • Babies should return to their birth weight by 10 to 14 days of age. However, some may take up to 2 to 3 weeks to regain their birth weight.
  • Babies should begin to show a pattern of weight gain by 4 to 6 days of age.
  • In the first 4 months, babies typically gain at least 25 to 35 grams (0.9 to 1.2 oz.) per day.
  • Most babies double their birth weight between 3 to 6 months and triple it between 9 to 18 months.
  • Your baby has a strong loud cry
  • Your baby’s mouth looks wet and pink
  • Your baby looks alert and active before a feeding
  • Your baby comes off the breast looking relaxed and sleepy
  • Your breasts feel softer and less full after breastfeeding
Date modified: October 1, 2026