The breastfed baby nurses on average 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. This is generally ever 1.5 to 3 hours. Each feeding should last from 30 – 45 minutes.
Days 1 to 3 Colostrum
Bowel movements: 1 to 3 sticky, dark green or almost black
Wet diapers: generally 2 to 3, increasing in number and amount each day
Days 3 to 4 Milk Coming In
Bowel movements: 3 to 4 brown/green/yellow in colour
Wet diapers: 3 to 4 per day, heavier wetting
Days 5 to 6 Mature Milk
Bowel movements: 3 to 5, becoming more yellow in colour.
At least 3 are the size of a dollar coin
Heavy wet diapers: 5 to 6 per day
SEE… Mouth open wide
Lips flanged out and relaxed
FEEL… Breast tug – no pain
HEAR…The sound of baby swallowing
Sucking is slow and rhythmic
CALL FOR HELP IF…
- Nipples are sore or cracked
- Unable to get baby latched onto breast
- Baby has dark green to black bowel movements after 5 days of age
- Baby is having infrequent wet diapers after Day 3
- Baby repeatedly falls asleep after nursing for only a few minutes
- Baby sleeps for 4 to 5 hours more than once a day
- Baby is spending more than 45 minutes at the breast and begins crying soon after being taken off
- Baby has only rapid, nibbling, shallow type sucking
Baby’s First Days
- This information will help you keep track of your baby’s feedings and diaper changes during those first busy days at home or hospital.
- This record will help you decide if your baby is getting enough to drink. It will also be useful when your midwife visits.