When you are breastfeeding, it can be difficult to know if your baby is getting enough milk, especially if they seem unsettled, are not sleeping for long periods or want to feed frequently. These behaviours can be challenging, and it is always best to talk any worries you have though with your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding supporter. However, they are not the best way to tell how much milk your baby is getting.
Most babies lose some weight by days three to five and then start gaining weight.
Looking at your baby’s wee and poo is a good guide to the amount of milk they are drinking each day, in between weighing your baby.
In the first 48 hours, your baby is likely to have only two or three wet nappies. Wet nappies should then start to become more frequent, with at least six every 24 hours from day five onwards.
At the beginning, your baby will pass a black tar-like poo called meconium. By day three, this should be changing to a lighter, runnier, greenish poo that is easier to clean up. From day four and for the first few weeks, your baby should pass at least two yellow poos every day, which are at least the size of a £2 coin. Remember, it’s normal for breastfed babies to pass loose poos.
In summary, from day four or five your baby should have at least six wet and two dirty nappies a day, and the amount of poo varies from baby to baby. If your baby’s nappies follow this pattern, and they are also gaining weight as expected, you can be confident they are getting enough milk. After about six to eight weeks your baby may poo less often but with large amounts. You will get to know your baby’s pattern.
You can read more about helping your baby gain weight here.
If you are concerned your baby is not getting enough milk, speak to your breastfeeding supporter, midwife or health visitor or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
More information can be found in Off to the Best Start