How to Know If Your Breastfed Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
- Your baby is sucking strongly, slowly, and steadily.
- You can see your baby swallowing frequently.
- Your baby has a strong cry and moves actively.
- Your baby's mouth is moist.
- Your baby's eyes are bright and alert.
- Your baby comes off the breast looking relaxed and content.
- Your breasts feel softer and less full after breastfeeding.
- Your baby is growing, feels heavier and is gaining weight.
Weight Gain
Breastfed babies may lose up to 7% of their birth weight in the first 3 days after birth. Your baby should then gain at least 4-8 ounces (113-227 grams) a week in the first 3 months, and at least 3-5 ounces (85-142 grams) a week from 4-6 months. Your baby should return to his birth weight by about 2 weeks of age.
Wet Diapers and Stools
Please note this is a guideline only, every baby is different.
| 1 day old |
At least 1 wet diaper |
At least 1-2 per day black or dark green |
| 2 days old |
At least 2 wet diapers |
At least 1-2 per day black or dark green |
| 3 days old |
At least 3 wet diapers |
At least 3 per day brown, green or yellow |
| 4 days old |
At least 4 wet diapers |
At least 3 per day brown, green or yellow |
| 5 days old and after |
At least 6 heavy wet diapers |
At least 3 large per day, soft and seedy yellow |
After about 1 month of age, some breastfed babies may have 1 very large yellow stool every 1-7 days. This is normal as long as the stool is soft and the baby is healthy. It is also normal for some breastfed babies to have many stools each day.