A baby who feeds well will show the following signs:
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Small sucks moving to large deep sucks (open mouth, pause, close mouth slightly)
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Your baby will end each feeding by falling asleep at the breast or coming off the breast satisfied
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Your baby is waking to feed 8 or more times in 24 hours
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Your baby has a loud cry and moves actively
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Your baby’s mouth is wet and pink
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Your baby’s eyes look bright and awake
NOTE: Babies can stay on the breast for long periods of time and not receive breast-milk. The breast can be a great pacifier.
Seek help if you are unsure.
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 |
Your doctor or midwife should see your breastfed baby within five to seven days after birth. If you have concerns, contact your health care provider.
Taken from Breastfeeding Matters.
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.
Videos
Audible swallowing with mom doing breast compressions
Reviewed
May 2020 - KS