Assisting Breastfeeding Mothers in Determining the Health and Happiness of Their Babies

Signs That Breastfeeding Is Going Well for Baby

• You can hear, feel or see signs of swallowing when your baby feeds
• You see rhythmic jaw movements or an “open mouth – pause – swallow – close” pattern
• Your baby has at least 6 clear or pale yellow urine diapers in 24 hours by the 4th day
• Your baby has 3 – 4 stools by the 4th day. The color of the stool will change from dark green to yellow in color by day 5. The stool will also become loose and seedy
• Your baby has regained his or her birthweight by 10 – 14 days after birth
• You are watching for feeding cues and nurse at least 8 – 16 or more times per day

How Often Will My Baby Breastfeed?

• How often and how long your baby needs to breastfeed depends on many factors, such as: baby’s age and suck strength, your milk supply and breast storage capacity
• It is normal for babies to nurse frequently for a long time and then sleep for several hours. This is called cluster feeding
• Most young babies will also nurse two or more times during the night

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

• You see a pink or rust color stain on baby’s diaper after the 4th day
• Your baby is less than 6 weeks old and has not had a bowel movement in 24 hours
• Your baby has fewer wet diapers than recommended or the urine is dark in color or has a strong urine odor
• Your baby is not back to birthweight by 10 – 14 days or is gaining less than 4 – 8 ounces per week
• Your baby is not relaxed or satisfied after most or all feedings
• Breastfeeding is painful

Works Cited

Lawrence, Ruth A. & Lawrence, Robert M. “Breastfeeding, A Guide for the Medical Professional”, Eighth edition, ELSEVIER, 2016.

Wambach, Karen and Riordan, Jan “Breastfeeding and Human Lactation”, Fifth edition, Jones & Bartlett, 2016.