The first feeding should be as soon as possible after delivery. It is important that your baby feeds very frequently (every 1-3 hrs) in the first few days. Newborns are often sleepy and need to be awakened and encouraged to feed. If your baby is unable to feed, pumping within the first 6 hours is recommended.
More Feedings = More Milk Produced
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After the first few days, your baby should be waking and showing signs of hunger on his own. If your baby is not waking on his own, you may want to wake him to ensure he is feeding at least 8~12 times in 24 hours.
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The length of feeding varies from baby to baby and from feeding to feeding. It is not the length of time at the breast that is important, but how effectively the baby is nursing. (You should see / hear consistent swallowing.)
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It is important that your baby feed long enough on the first breast to get the hindmilk, which is the higher calorie milk produced at the end of a feeding. Hindmilk helps the baby gain weight and be content between feedings. (See "Breast Compression" under "Helpful Hints" to increase hindmilk)
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As time goes on, your baby may be satisfied after feeding on one breast, however, always offer both breasts at each feed.
Is My Baby Getting Enough?
A baby who feeds well will show the following signs:
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Small sucks progressing to large deep sucks (open, pause, close) with identified swallowing.
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The baby will end the feeding by falling asleep at the breast or coming off the breast content.
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The baby will remain content between feeds.
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The baby is waking to feed 8-12 times in 24 hours.
Note: Babies can stay on the breast for long periods of time and not receive milk. This does not mean your baby is not getting enough milk. Seek help if you are unsure.
Most Babies will have:
| Day | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ |
| Number of Wet Diapers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6+ |
| Number of Stools | 1 | 3+ | 3+ | 3+ | 3+ |
| Stool Colour | Black and tarry | Stools changing to greenish to yellow and seedy | Stools changing to yellow & seedy | Yellow and seedy | |
Above statistics are from the International Lacation Consultant Association's Clinical Guidelines for the establishment of exclusive Breast Feeding. (2005)
*If less than the above amounts contact your care provider*
*Bowel
movements may change and decrease in frequency after 4 weeks*
| Baby's Age | Average Weight Gain for a Breastfed Baby |
| First two weeks | Some infants lose up to 7% of their birth weight; should begin gaining by day 5 and back to birth weight by 14 days of age. |
| 2 weeks ~ 4 months | 4~7 ounces or 113~198 grams a week |
| 4-6 months | 4~5 ounces or 113~142 grams a week |
| 6-12 months | 2~4 ounces or 57~113 grams a week |
Sources:
International Lactation Consultant Association: Clinical Guidelines for the establishment of exclusive Breast Feeding (2005)
Riordan J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (2004)
Mohrbracher N. and Stock J. The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Third Revised ed. (2003)
If
your baby does not show these signs,
contact a breastfeeding
professional.
Breastfed babies should be seen by the doctor
within the
first seven days of life.
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