How to know breastfeeding is going well

How do you know baby is getting enough?

A breastfeed = 3 Course meal for a baby

Top tip for helping baby feed well - Offer your baby both breasts at each feed. Your baby may not take the second breast every time but will appreciate the offer.

A mother’s milk changes throughout a feed. The milk towards the end ‘pudding’ milk is higher in fat and makes poo!

A well attached baby will transfer milk well, which means they’ll get plenty of pudding and nappies will get plenty of poo!

Meconium (black poo) to begin on day 1
Turning to brown poo on day 2
Then to green poo on day 3
And from then on to yellow poo

From 3rd/4th day after the birth look out for:

At least 2 poos (Bigger than a £2 coin)
At least 6 wet nappies in 24hr
Look for baby swallowing frequently

Weight

Most babies lose around 7-8% of their birth weight in the first 3 days
Most babies regain their birth weight by about 14 days

Speak to a midwife or Health Visitor if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding.