It is a common question that many mothers have. There are no ounces lines marked on a breast, and so “measuring” how much a baby is receiving each feeding can be tricky. But, what goes in, must come out!

  • Day 1-2 after birth one to two wet diapers a day
  • Day 3-4 an increase in wet diapers
  • After day 5, five to six really wet diapers a day

Disposable diapers make it difficult to determine if a diaper is truly wet. Take a diaper, and pour 1-2 tablespoons of water in it, and weigh and feel the diaper. It likely won’t “feel” much different. Another tip is to place a washcloth, or strong paper towel, inside the diaper. This is an easy indicator if baby has urinated.

Your baby will pass meconium, the greenish-black tarry, first stool, over the first day or two. By the third day, the color will change to a greenish transitional stool. Baby will begin having at least three to five bowel movements a day beginning about the third day after birth. By the fifth day, these will typically be very loose and bright yellow in color. The amount should be at least the size of a quarter (2.5 cm.)

Your baby may loose up to 7% of his/her body weight during the first 3 or 4 days. Once your milk supply becomes more plentiful on the third or fourth day, expect your baby to begin gaining weight. He should regain his birth weight by the time he is 10 to 14 days old. After that, most breastfed babies gain an average of six ounces (170 grams) per week or a pound and a half (680 grams) a month for the first four months.

Your baby will breastfeed frequently (every one-and-a-half to three hours), averaging about eight to twelve times in 24 hours. Frequent breastfeeding in the early days helps to establish a mother’s milk supply.

Some babies “cluster nurse,” which means they nurse very often for a few hours and then sleep for several hours. Feedings are not always spaced at regular intervals.

Follow baby’s feeding cues and do not try to schedule feedings. Crying is considered a late hunger cue.

A common time for mothers to worry about milk supply when baby is about 6 weeks old. At 6 weeks, milk supply becomes established and the breasts quit over-producing, leaving them softer and less firm. Also at 6 weeks, the baby hits the first of many growth spurts. The combined circumstances leaves mothers in panic. Don’t worry! Follow your baby’s cues, feed him when he wants to nurse and over the course of a couple days your milk supply will adjust to baby’s growing needs.

You know your baby is getting enough milk when you can see that he looks healthy, his color is good, his skin is firm, he is filling out and growing in length and head circumference, and he is alert and active.

ã2005 La Leche League International
www.llli.org