How do I know if breastfeeding is going well?

• Your baby nurses “on demand” several times during the first 24 hours and is given generous time at the breast to learn to latch and suckle effectively
• After the first 48 hours your baby nurses 8-12 times in 24 hours. The intervals can range from every 1-1/2 to 3 hours with 10-20 minutes of strong suckling. It is helpful for the mother to keep a journal of feedings.
• Your baby settles after most feedings
• You are comfortable with various positions and your nipples are not painful with latch. If your breasts are mildly engorged, the baby is still able to latch and feed frequently to relieve some of the pressure.
• Urine and stool output increases during the first week. By one week of age, your baby has a minimum of 6 wet diapers and 2-4 golden stools every 24 hours.
• Your baby gains weight after an initial loss and is back to birth weight by 10-14 days of age.

How do I know when I need help?

• Your baby does not breastfeed during the first 12-24 hours of life.
• Despite acting hungry, your baby does not latch or latches only momentarily, then comes off the breast or falls asleep.
• Your baby does not seem satisfied after most feedings or is difficult to settle.
• Your baby has a slow weight gain.
• Positioning your baby for feeding is awkward or difficult.
• You have nipple/breast pain or damage.
• You have persistent engorgement that is not resolving or makes latching difficult.
• You are worried that you do not have enough milk.