Baby's First Days
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The breast fed baby nurses on average 8 to 12 times or more in 24 hours. This is generally every 1 ½ to 3 hours. An average feeding may last 45 to 60 minutes including a diaper change. The baby appears satisfied and content after nursing. |
Days 1 to 3 |
Colostrum is the first fluid from the breast. It contains antibodies, protein and fat.
bowel movements: 1 to 3 sticky, dark green or almost black stools in 24 hours.
wet diapers: Generally 1 to 3 per day, more each day as milk comes in. |
Days 3 to 4 |
Milk coming in
bowel movements: 2 to 5 loose brown/green/yellow stools in 24 hours.
wet diapers: 3 to 4 per day, heavier wetting |
Days 5 to 6 |
Mature milk
bowel movements: 3 to 5 loose stools becoming more yellow in colour, seedy consistency. At least 3 are the size of a dollar coin. If the bowel movements are very small or just a stain on the diaper, there should be several a day.
heavy wet diapers: 5 to 6 per day |
Days 6 to 8 |
bowel movements: 2 to 5 or more per day
heavy wet diapers: 6 to 8 per day |
Week 4 |
bowel movements: may decrease; some babies have only one large bowel movement every few days. |
Weight gain - follow-up with doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner by ONE WEEK OF AGE not one week after discharge!
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When Your Baby Is Latched Well...
· SEE mouth open wide, lips spread out and relaxed
· FEEL breast tug - no pain, breasts softer after feeding
· HEAR the sound of baby swallowing, sucking is slow and rhythmic |
Call for help if...
· nipples are sore or cracked
· you are unable to get baby latched onto breast
· baby falls asleep after nursing for only a few minutes
· during the first week baby has no bowel movements for over 12 hours
· baby is not having enough wet diapers after day 3
· baby has dark green to black bowel movements after 5 days of age
· baby sleeps for 4 to 5 hours more than once a day
· baby is spending more than 1 hour at the breast and begins crying soon after being taken off
· baby is not content between feedings or cries a lot
· baby has only rapid, nibbling, shallow type of sucking
· you have any concerns or questions
Breastfeeding isn't always easy. Sometimes all you want is information. Sometimes you need "hands on" help. Don't give up. Keep looking for the help you need!
For information or help with breastfeeding, phone the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 625-8814.
