For Families
Is my baby getting enough?
A baby who feeds well will show the following signs:
-Small sucks moving to large deep sucks (open mouth, pause, close mouth slightly)
-Your baby will end each feeding by falling asleep at the breast or coming off the breast satisfied
-Your baby is waking to feed 8 or more times in 24 hours
-Your baby has a loud cry and moves actively
-Your baby’s mouth is wet and pink
-Your baby’s eyes look bright and awake
Most babies will have at least:
| Day | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ | Over 4 Weeks |
| # wet diapers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6+ | 6+ |
| # of stools | 1 | 3+ | 3+ | 3+ | 3+ | May decrease |
| Colour | black & tarry | black & tarry | greenish to yellow & seedy | changing to yellow & seedy | yellow & seedy | colour can change frequently |
After 4 weeks:
-Bowel movements can change and decrease in frequency
-Some babies can go several days without a bowel movement but be sure the diapers are very wet.
Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies
| Baby's Age | Average Weight Gain for Breastfed Baby |
| First two weeks | Some infants lose up to 7% of their birth weight; should begin gaining by day 5 and are usually back to birth weight by 14 days of age |
| 2 weeks - 4 months | At least 4 ounces or 113 grams a week |
| After 4 months | Weight gain much slower but remains steady |
Some babies who are gaining well and have lots of bowel movements and wet diapers remain restless and cry when not at the breast. This does not mean they are not getting enough milk.
Holding your baby skin-to-skin is very comforting and reassuring and can help to calm an unhappy baby.
Have questions or suggestions? Please email us at info@breastfeedingniagara.ca
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