Signs that your baby is breastfeeding well (First three weeks)

By three or four days of age your baby:

• Has wet diapers at least 4-5 noticeable times (looks or feels wet) in twenty-four hours (pale and odourless urine)
• Has at least 2-3 bowel movements in twenty-four hours (colour progressing from brownish to seedy mustard yellow and at least the size of a loonie)
• Breastfeeds at least eight times in twenty-four hours
• Is content after most feedings

Other signs that suggest your baby is breastfeeding well are:

• You can hear your baby swallowing during feeding
• Your breasts are full before feedings and soft after feedings
• Your baby is only drinking breast milk
• Your nipples are not cracked or bleeding

If any of these signs is not present after your baby is 3 or 4 days old, or if you are having problems, please call for help.

• You can contact your Community Health Nurse
• 24 hour BC Nurse Line: Vancouver 604-215-4700 Toll Free: 1-866-215-4700
• Your physician or midwife
• Lactation Consultant
• La Leche League

You and your baby should be seen by your community health nurse or other health care professionals within two days of discharge.

Books:

• Baby’s Best Chance (available at no cost through your doctor, midwife or Community Health Department)

BC Women’s Hospital & Health Care
BCW #599
Revised March 2005