How to tell if your newborn is getting enough breast milk

To find out if your baby is getting enough breast milk you can check:

• their weight
• the number of wet and dirty nappies they have

Wet and dirty nappies

Your baby should be producing wet and dirty nappies.

Your baby’s first dirty nappies are black and tarry. This is called meconium.

Over the next day or so, your baby’s poos become greenish in colour. By day 5, they should be yellow, seedy and loose.

Nappy guide by day

Here's what you can expect from your baby's nappies each day:

Day 1

• 1 wet nappy (over 24 hours)
• 1 poo (black)

Day 2

• 2 wet nappies
• 2 poos (black)

Day 3

• 3 wet nappies
• 3 poos (black or green)

Day 4

• 4 wet nappies
• 3 to 4 poos (green or yellow)

Day 5

• 5 wet nappies
• 3 to 4 poos (should turn yellow)

6 days to 6 weeks

• 6 or more wet nappies a day (nappies feel heavy, and pee is pale yellow or clear)
• 3 to 8 poos a day (yellow, seedy, runny to loose)

6 weeks to 6 months

• 3 to 5 poos a day - your baby may skip a day or 2
• poos are still yellow, soft and may change in texture as breast milk changes

Your baby is likely getting enough breast milk if they:

• are feeding well
• are content after feeds
• have plenty of wet and dirty nappies

If you're unsure, talk to your public health nurse (PHN) or lactation nurse or midwife.

Newborn feeding routine

How often to breastfeed your baby

Your breast milk gives your baby all the nutrients they need for around the first 6 months. It continues to be an important part of their diet after you introduce solid foods, up to age 2 and beyond.

Week 1

Your baby should:

• have at least 10 to 12 feeds per day
• be sucking strongly, slowly, steadily and swallowing often

Weeks 2 and 3

Your baby should:

• have at least 8 to 10 feeds per day
• be sucking strongly, slowly, steadily and swallowing often

Your baby's tummy size

The size of your baby's tummy is:

• 1 to 2 days - size of a cherry
• 3 to 5 days - size of a walnut
• 6 to 7 days - size of an apricot
• 2 to 3 weeks - size of an egg

Weight loss

It's normal for all newborn babies to lose a small amount of weight in the first few days after birth. This happens as your baby adjusts to life outside the womb.

After this early weight loss, babies begin to gain weight steadily.

Most babies are back to their birth weight by 2 weeks. Some babies may take up to 3 weeks. But this is still within the normal range.

If you have concerns about your baby's feeding or weight, talk to your:

• GP
• PHN
• lactation nurse or midwife
• breastfeeding support group

Constipation in babies

Constipation means your baby is either:

• pooing less often than normal
• having difficulty passing a poo

Your baby may be constipated if their poo:

• looks like firm, dry pellets
• does not soak into the nappy like soft poo usually does

Breastfed babies rarely get constipated, especially under 6 weeks. Talk to a PHN, GP or breastfeeding support group if you're worried about this.

Constipation in babies

Signs your baby is feeding well

When your baby is feeding well, you may see and hear them actively swallowing milk during the feed. There are also other signs that breastfeeding is going smoothly.

During a feed your baby should:

• start with a few quick sucks followed by long, rhythmic sucks and swallows with occasional pauses
• have rounded cheeks
• seem calm and relaxed

At the end of the feed, your baby should:

• come off the breast on their own
• have a wet mouth
• seem content and satisfied

After a feed:

• your breasts should feel softer and lighter
• your nipple should look more or less the same as before the feed - not flattened, pinched or white
• you may feel sleepy and relaxed

If your baby is unsettled after a feed

Crying, fussiness, vomiting or posseting after a feed are normal in small babies. While this can be distressing, it does not mean that your baby is not getting enough breast milk.

Your baby is getting all the breast milk they need if they are:

• feeding well at the breast
• settled in between feeds
• having plenty of wet and dirty nappies

There are many reasons why infants cry, such as hunger, a change in temperature or other types of discomfort.

You can comfort a crying baby by:

• changing their wet nappies
• carrying, rocking, and massaging them
• feeding them - especially breastfeeding

Why babies cry

Vomiting or possetting after a feed

Helping your milk supply

In the early weeks, your body is learning how much milk your baby needs. Feeding often is the best way to build and protect your milk supply.

Skin-to-skin contact with newborns

Getting support

Many parents wonder if their baby is getting enough milk - especially during growth spurts or days when they cluster feed.

You're not alone, and can get support from:

• a public health nurse (PHN)
• a lactation nurse or midwife
• a breastfeeding support group
• an online breastfeeding expert

Concern about your milk supply