Is Baby Getting Enough?
There are a number of ways to know that your baby is getting plenty of milk. Use these guidelines to help understand the normal signs of a well-fed newborn.
Week 1 Weeks 2 – 6
Changing Stool
Weight Gain
Urine Output
Newborns may lose 7 – 10 percent of their body weight in the first 48 hours. Most regain their birth weight by 10 – 14 days.
At least one wet diaper for each day of life( 1 on day 1, 2 on 2), and 6 + by day 4.*
Babies usually gain 5 – 7 ounces( 142 – 198 grams) weekly. Weight checks can reassure you that baby is doing well.
At least 6 wet diapers in a 24 hour period.*
3 – 4 or more stools a One stool for each day of day. After 6 weeks, it is life. Meconium( first stools)
Day 3 normal for a breastfed will pass with frequent
Preview
Stool baby to go several days feedings. Stool will change
Output or more without a bowel in color and consistency movement as their body when your milk increases. becomes more efficient( See right.) at using milk.
By day five, stool should be yellow
May be able to go and“ mustardlike,” watery and
Feed on demand, 8 – 12 longer between times a day or more. feedings. Be sure baby seedy. These are
Frequency Newborns may feed is transferring milk
Day 5 normal changes frequently( cluster-feed) well. May feed more that indicate then sleep a longer stretch. frequently during growth spurts.
* Note that disposable diapers can feel dry after baby urinates. Line the diaper with a tissue and / or look for weight, fullness, smell or discoloration of the diaper.
Day 1
A newborn’ s stool( poop) changes through the first week, starting with meconium, a black, sticky, tarlike substance.
By day three, you should see transitional stool, which is green and less sticky.
baby is getting plenty of milk.
Breastfeeding Warning Signs
Sometimes, babies show signs that they are not getting enough milk. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Baby may be struggling with latching or may not be transferring milk efficiently. Rarely, milk supply is not enough to sustain a baby.( See page 14 for ways to encourage your body to make more milk.) Seek help right away if you note any of these signs in your baby:
• Days 2 – 5: Fewer than the minimum number of wet or soiled diapers.( See table above.)
• By days 4 – 5: Not gaining weight.
• Has not regained birth weight by two weeks.
• Will not breastfeed or feeds very little for eight hours or longer.
• Lethargic, weak suck or will not latch.
• Showing signs of dehydration: Urine is absent or dark and smells strong, dry mouth, sunken fontanel( soft spot).
• Vomits excessively or is inconsolable.
• Very long feedings or continues to show signs of hunger after feeding.
Breastfeeding Your Baby 11