How to Know If Your Breastfed Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
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Your baby is sucking strongly, slowly, and steadily.
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You can see your baby swallowing frequently.
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Your baby has a strong cry and moves actively.
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Your baby's mouth is moist.
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Your baby's eyes are bright and alert.
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Your baby comes off the breast looking relaxed and content.
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Your breasts feel softer and less full after breastfeeding.
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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.
| Baby's Age | Wet Diapers Each Day | Stools Each Day |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
