Signs of successful breastfeeding:
- Your baby is feeding at least 8 times every 24 hours.
- Your baby has at least 6 wet diapers every 24 hours after day 4.
- Your baby has loose, seedy and yellowish bowel movements at least 3 times each 24 hours by day 4.
- During breastfeeding your baby’s mouth is open wide with lips flanged out.
- During breastfeeding your baby takes as much of the areola as possible into the mouth.
- You can hear your baby swallowing during feedings.
- Your nipples are comfortable once your baby has latched on.
- Your baby is getting breast milk only.
Contact your baby’s doctor or your lactation consultant if:
- Your baby has LESS than 6 wet diapers every 24 hours by day 4.
- Your baby has LESS than 3 bowel movements every 24 hours by day 4.
- Your baby’s bowel movements are dark and tarry rather than yellow and loose by day 4.
- Your baby’s urine is dark yellow or there are red stains in the diaper.
- Your baby still seems hungry after most feedings.
- You can’t hear your baby swallowing during feedings.
- Your nipples hurt during feedings, even after your baby has correctly latched on.
- Your baby is not breastfeeding at least 8 times every 24 hours.
Be sure to visit your baby’s doctor within 2 to 5 days after birth, and then again at 2-3 weeks of age for weight checks and healthy baby visits.
A PDF of "A Breastfeeding Checklist" is available to download.
