Signs baby is getting enough breastmilk

Look for your baby’s feeding cues, such as sucking or mouthing movements, turning her head as if searching for the breast or increasing cues of restlessness, with hand to mouth movements.

Your newborn baby (up to four to six weeks of age) is nursing well and getting enough breastmilk if:

1. You hear and see baby swallowing.
2. Milk drips from your breasts, and you find it is easy to hand express breastmilk.
3. Your baby has four to six wet disposable (more if using cloth) diapers in 24 hours before the milk “comes in.” Then at least six very wet diapers in 24 hours, after your breastmilk “comes in.” Your breastmilk usually will “come in” within three to five days after baby is born. Most newborns require eight to 12 diaper changes a day after the first week.
4. Your baby has three or more bowel movements a day by the third day, with more than just a smear of stool. The color gradually changes in a few days from black meconium to green-brown and then to a golden yellowish color. The stools have a soft, mushy consistency. After your baby is older than six weeks, the amount of urine and stool may increase, but how often the baby has wet or dirty diapers may decrease.
5. Your baby gains weight, appears relaxed and often sleeps and is content after breastfeeding. Your baby may not nurse for long, and may fall asleep after nursing only one side once engorgement has resolved. If this happens, do not worry. Also, do not be surprised if baby wants to nurse again in half an hour.

If you have questions about your baby getting enough breastmilk, call baby’s healthcare provider. You may also call Salem Hospital’s Breastfeeding Services at 503-562-5338, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.