Baby's First Days

The breast fed baby nurses on average 8 to 12 times 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 2 to 3 per day, increasing in number and amount each day.

Days 3 to 4

Milk coming in
bowel movements: 3 to 4 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.

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