Breastfeeding your baby
In the first weeks you might wonder if your baby is getting enough milk. Most individuals have more than enough milk to feed their baby.
Your baby will need to feed a lot in the early days. Try to feed baby according to their hunger cues and not the clock. This will help your body make enough milk for your baby.
Find out how:
- Often you should feed your baby.
- Baby shows you they are hungry.
- To know when baby is getting enough milk.
Learn more about breastfeeding.
Also learn the effects of medications, alcohol, and cannabis in breastfeeding.
Signs feeding is going well
- As your baby starts to feed, they will suck quickly to make your milk flow.
- You will notice slow, deep sucks as your baby begins to drink.
- Your baby's swallows will sound like a soft "kuh kuh”.
- You feel baby pulling on your breast without pain.
- Your breasts feel softer after feeding.
- Your baby is satisfied and settled between most feeds.
- Your baby is having the right amount of wet and dirty diapers (stools).
Get help if:
- You are having difficulty latching your baby to your breast.
- Your baby is not having enough wet or dirty diapers.
- Your baby is not gaining weight after the first few days, is gaining weight slowly or has not regained their birth weight by 10 to 14 days.
- You are concerned about your baby's feedings or your breast milk supply.
- Your nipples are sore, or breastfeeding is painful.
- You notice a red, tender, hot area on your breast.
Call your doctor, health care provider, or Peel Public Health.
Use these charts as a guide:
| Baby's age (first week) | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 and older |
| Breastfeeding frequency | On demand, or 8 or more times every 24 hours | On demand, or 8 or more times every 24 hours | On demand, or 8 or more times every 24 hours | On demand, or 8 or more times every 24 hours | On demand, or 8 or more times every 24 hours |
| Wet diapers (pees) | 1 or more wet | 2 or more wet | 3 or more wet | 4 or more wet | 6 or more wet |
| Number and colour of stools (poos) | 1 or 2 black or dark green stools | 1 or 2 black or dark green stools | At least 3 brown, green, or yellow stools | At least 3 brown, green, or yellow stools | At least 3 large yellow stools |
| Baby's age | 2 weeks to 3 months | 3 to 6 months | 6 to 12 months |
| Breastfeeding frequency | On demand or 8 or more times every 24 hours | On demand | On demand with addition of other foods |
| Wet diapers (pees) | 6 or more wet diapers every 24 hours | 6 or more wet diapers every 24 hours | 6 or more wet diapers every 24 hours |
| Number and colour of stools (poos) | 3 or more soft, yellow stool every 24 hours. May be less after the first month. After 6 weeks old, some breastfed babies may have 1 soft large stool every 1 to 7 days. This is normal. | Soft, yellow stools. There may be several every day or as little as 1 large yellow stool every 1 to 7 days. This is normal. | Soft stools. Colour may change. There may be several every day or as little 1 large stool every 1 to 7 days.This is normal. |
Some babies may be sleepy in the first week of life and this may be related to jaundice or medications given to mom during birth.
How to keep your baby awake at the breast:
- Undress your baby leaving only their diaper on.
- Change your baby's diaper.
- Tickle their hands, ears, or feet.
- Switch your baby to your other breast or a different position on your chest.
- Use breast compression.
Breast compression
Try to gently squeeze and hold your breast when your baby's sucking slows down. This is called compressing your breast. Compressing your breasts helps your milk to flow while your baby is still latched.
Releasing the compression after your baby stops sucking helps to bring more milk to baby. Wait a few seconds and your baby may start sucking again. If not, compress your breast again.
Continue with breast compressions until your baby is full. Switch your baby to your other breast when compressions are no longer effective.
Whenever you decide to stop breastfeeding, it's best to do it slowly. Stopping feeding suddenly can cause engorgement, blocked ducts or mastitis. Learn more about decreasing or stopping your breast milk production.
Other tips for weaning:
- Start with the feed that your baby will miss the least. Early morning and bedtime feedings are often the hardest to wean.
- Change the location and time of the feeding you are trying to remove.
- Offer something other than breast milk such as a favourite food or toy.
- If your child is older, try to delay feedings, ask them to "wait until we get home" or "until after we read a story".