Helping you feel confident and connected during early feeding days.

How Often Should My Baby Nurse?

Week 1 (Days 0–7):

• Aim for 10–12+ nursing sessions every 24 hours
• Feed on demand, especially at early hunger cues: stirring, lip-smacking, rooting, hands to mouth
• Don’t wait for baby to cry—that’s a late hunger sign.
• Allow unlimited time at the first breast, then offer the second.

Wake baby if:
• More than 2 hours (day) or 4 hours (night) pass without feeding.
• Baby is very sleepy or jaundiced.

Weeks 2–6:

• Still 8–12+ feeds per day is normal.
• Once baby is gaining weight well, you can relax about overnight waking—follow baby’s cues.
• Cluster feeding (nursing constantly for a few hours) is normal and common, especially in the evenings.

Growth spurts typically happen at:

• 7–10 days
• 2–3 weeks
• 4–6 weeks

These spurts can make baby feed more frequently and seem fussy—this is a sign your milk supply is adjusting!

Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?

Weight Gain

It’s normal to lose up to 7% of birth weight in the first few days.

• After milk “comes in,” baby should gain about 6 oz (170 g) per week.
• Have a weight check around day 5–7 or at the start of week 2.

Diaper Output

Dirty Diapers (Poop):
• Days 1–4: One per day of life (e.g. 3 on day 3).
• After day 4: At least 3–4 yellow, loose stools daily, size of a quarter or more.
• Normal breastfed poop: Mustard yellow, runny, seedy or curdy.
• After 4–6 weeks, baby may poop less often—even once every few days is okay if baby is gaining well.

Wet Diapers (Pee):
• Days 1–4: One wet diaper per day of life.
• After milk is in: 5–6+ wet diapers per day.
• After 6 weeks: May decrease to 4–5 daily but with increased volume.

Tip: To know what a “wet” diaper feels like, pour 3 tbsp (45 mL) water into a fresh one.

Breast Changes & Engorgement Help

Milk “comes in” between days 2–5—breasts feel fuller and heavier.

To minimize engorgement:
• Feed often, don’t skip night feeds.
• Ensure a deep, effective latch.
• Let baby finish one breast before offering the other.

If Engorged:
• Use cold compresses or cabbage leaves between feeds.
• Try Reverse Pressure Softening (RPS) before latching to reduce swelling around the nipple.
• Hand express a little milk if baby can’t latch.

When to Call for Help

Call your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant if:
• Baby has no wet or dirty diapers in 24 hours.
• Urine is dark (orange, brown) after day 3.
• Poop is still dark/green/black after day 4.
• Baby nurses fewer than 8 times a day or is hard to wake for feeds.
• Baby is not gaining weight by the end of week 1.

- or Mum has:
• Fever, chills, red/painful breast (signs of mastitis)
• Cracked, bleeding nipples
• Severe engorgement that won’t resolve
• Emotional overwhelm—you are not alone, and support is available.

Reassurance for New Parents

• Every baby is different. Some feed quickly, others take their time.
• Milk supply is a relationship—frequent nursing builds supply and baby’s needs guide your body.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, reach out early. Lactation help is available and effective.