“Is my baby getting enough?” is the question new parents ask most often. You cannot see how much milk a breastfed baby drinks, but you can look for clear signs. This guide covers what to watch for in the first weeks and when it is time to ask for help. 

Signs your baby is feeding well 

• Baby feeds 8 to 12 times in 24 hours in the early weeks, and often wakes on their own for feeds. 

• You can see and hear swallowing during feeds, and baby seems relaxed and satisfied afterwards. 

• Your breasts feel softer after a feed, especially in the first weeks. 

• Baby has enough wet and dirty diapers (see below). 

• Baby is gaining weight, and is active and alert when awake. 

What diapers can tell you 

Diapers are one of the best everyday signs. For a breastfed baby: 

• Day 1: at least 1 wet diaper and 1 black, tarry stool (meconium). 

• Day 2: at least 2 wet diapers and at least 2 dark green to black stools. 

• Day 3: at least 3 wet diapers, and greenish-brown stools. 

• Day 4: at least 4 wet diapers and at least 3 stools that are turning yellow. 

• Day 5 and after: 6 or more pale, heavy wet diapers and 3 or more yellow, seedy stools a day. 

After about 6 weeks, some breastfed babies poop less often. If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight and has plenty of wet diapers, this can be normal. 

Weight gain 

Most babies lose some weight in the first few days and are back to their birth weight by about two weeks. Your doctor, midwife or public health nurse will follow this at checkups. If your baby has not regained birth weight by about two weeks, ask for a feeding assessment. 

Things that feel worrying but are often normal 

• Cluster feeding. Several feeds close together, often in the evening, is common and does not mean you are not making enough.

• Fussy periods. Babies cry for many reasons. Fussiness alone is not a sign of low milk. 

• Softer breasts after the first weeks. This is a normal adjustment, not a sign that your supply has dropped. 

• Short feeds. Some babies are very efficient. Look at swallowing, diapers and weight rather than the clock. 

When to reach out 

• There are fewer wet or dirty diapers than listed above, or stools are still dark after day 5. 

• Baby is very sleepy, hard to wake for feeds, or feeds fewer than 8 times in 24 hours. 

• Baby’s skin or eyes look more yellow. 

• Baby has not regained birth weight by about two weeks. 

• Feeds are painful, or your nipples are cracked or bleeding. 

Get urgent care if your baby has trouble breathing, is limp or very hard to wake, or has a fever of 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) or higher before 3 months of age. In Quebec and Ontario you can call 811 for health advice at any time, and 911 in an emergency. 

How a lactation consultant can help 

An IBCLC can watch a full feed, assess the latch and your baby’s mouth, check how much milk baby is transferring (sometimes by weighing baby before and after a feed), and build a plan around your goals. Early support often stops small problems from growing. 

Need personal support? 

Karen Juteau, RN, IBCLC, offers in-home and virtual lactation consultations for families in Gatineau, the Outaouais and Ottawa. Book a consultation or call or text 819‑500‑3081. 

This article is general education. It does not replace advice from your doctor, midwife or other healthcare provider.