These are signs that your baby is getting enough milk.
- Your baby feeds at least 8 times every 24 hours.
- Your baby has enough wet and dirty diapers according to his age. Refer to the chart on page 22 of Breastfeeding Matters from the Best Start Resource Centre for more information.
- Your baby is active and has a strong cry.
- Your baby has a wet, pink mouth, and bright eyes.
To make sure your baby is getting enough milk during the first week, keep track of the number of wet and dirty diapers in a 24 hour period.
In the beginning, it can be hard for new parents to know if their baby has a wet diaper. A very wet diaper is heavier than a dry diaper.
If you want to know what a very wet diaper feels like, pour 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of water on a dry diaper. Your baby’s urine (pee) should be clear or pale yellow, and it should have no smell.
If a dirty diaper is heavy, count it as both a wet diaper and a stool.
Babies lose an average of 7% of their birth weight in the first 3 days after birth. For example, a 7 pound baby will lose about 230 grams or ½ a pound.
From day 4 onward your baby should gain 20 – 35 g (2/3 – 1 1/3 oz) per day and regain his birth weight by 10 – 14 days. During the first 3 – 4 months your baby should continue to gain 20 – 35 g (2/3 –1 1/3 oz) per day. If your baby is not gaining enough, wake your baby for more feedings, and get help to make sure your baby is feeding well. Always breastfeed your baby when he seems hungry.
Up to about 3 weeks of age, breastfed babies should have 3 or more large, soft, seedy stools per day. If your baby does not have 3 or more stools per day under 3 weeks of age, take your baby to see her health care provider and see Breastfeeding Help and Support in Grey Bruce.
Around one month of age, some babies will have only 1 – 2 stools per day. Some have one large stool every few days. This is normal as long as your baby is feeding well, seems content and his stools are soft. If your baby is not feeding well, is more fussy than usual or has not had a stool in more than a week, take your baby see his health care provider and see Breastfeeding Help and Support in Grey Bruce.
If your baby does not have enough wet and dirty diapers, get help right away. Take your baby to see his health care provider and see Breastfeeding Help and Support in Grey Bruce.
Adapted with permission from the Best Start Resource Centre.