Breastfeeding is a learning journey. Understanding newborn feeding patterns, diaper output, and weight changes helps parents feel confident.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it can also come with questions and uncertainties, especially in the early days. Knowing what to expect can help parents feel more confident and prepared as they navigate feeding their newborn.
In the first day or two after birth, a baby may have only one or two wet diapers per day. This number increases as the days go by. By day four, parents can expect at least four really wet diapers each day, and by day six, there should be at least six heavy wet diapers. If you’re using cloth diapers, this number might be higher. The increase in wet diapers shows that the baby is getting enough milk and staying hydrated.
Newborns also pass meconium, a greenish-black, tarry stool, in the first couple of days. This gradually changes to a greenish transitional stool by the third day. By day five, stools are typically bright yellow, loose, and often have a seedy appearance. Babies generally have at least three bowel movements a day, each at least the size of a $2 coin. After about five weeks, some babies may poop less frequently but in larger amounts. Check out the pee and poo chart on the LLLC.ca website.
Weight Changes in the First Weeks
It is normal for breastfed babies to lose some weight in the first few days. Typically, they lose between 5 per cent to 7 per cent of their birth weight, but babies born by cesarean or whose moms received IV fluids during labour may lose a bit more. A weight loss of up to 10 per cent can be normal, but it’s always good to check with a healthcare provider to make sure everything is on track. Once a mom’s milk supply increases, usually around day three or four, the baby should start gaining weight. Most babies regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days old and then gain an average of five to eight ounces a week for the first four months. Every baby grows at their own pace, so some may gain more or less. If there are concerns about weight gain, a La Leche League Canada (LLLC) Leader or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can offer support and guidance.
Feeding Frequency and Hunger Cues
Newborns breastfeed frequently, often every one-and-a-half to three hours. Feeds are measured from the start of one feeding to the start of the next, meaning babies typically nurse about eight to twelve times in 24 hours. Frequent feeding helps establish a good milk supply. Some babies cluster feed, nursing very often for a few hours and then sleeping for longer stretches. It’s important to follow the baby’s feeding cues, such as licking lips, turning towards the breast, or mouthing hands. Crying is a late sign of hunger, so watching for early cues can make feeding smoother.
Frequent feeding helps establish a good milk supply. Following your baby’s feeding cues, not a strict schedule, supports healthy breastfeeding.
By day three or four, most parents feel their breasts becoming fuller as milk supply increases. After several seconds of rapid sucking, milk starts to flow, and the baby’s swallowing becomes more noticeable. Some parents hear a soft “kah” sound or a puff of air as the baby swallows, while others watch the baby’s chin drop and pause as they drink a mouthful of milk. As feeding continues, breasts should feel softer and less full, showing that the baby is effectively removing milk.
Getting Enough Milk
It is normal to worry about milk supply or wonder if the baby is getting enough milk. By day six, signs that the baby is feeding well include gaining weight, having at least six wet diapers and three to five stools daily, appearing alert and active when awake, and showing softer breasts after feeding. Milk may also leak from one breast while feeding on the other.
Some common concerns are actually normal parts of breastfeeding. For example, breasts may feel softer once milk supply adjusts to the baby’s needs. Not all parents leak milk between feedings, and some babies have fussy periods that are unrelated to hunger. Growth spurts at about three weeks, six weeks, and three months can cause babies to nurse more often. This is their way of increasing the milk supply to meet their growing needs. As babies get older, they also become more efficient at feeding and may nurse for shorter periods.
Support for Breastfeeding Challenges
If weight gain is slower than expected or if there are other concerns, it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider or seek support from La Leche League Canada. IBCLCs can also help with more complex feeding issues, like tongue ties or latch problems.
Breastfeeding can be a learning curve, but getting support and information early can make a big difference. If you’re expecting, consider joining the free LLLC Breastfeeding Essentials Prenatal Class. This class is designed to help you feel more prepared and confident before your baby arrives. You’ll learn about feeding patterns, common challenges, and practical tips to get breastfeeding off to a great start. Connect with other parents and get your questions answered in a supportive environment.
Breastfeeding can be a learning curve, but with the right support and information, parents can feel more confident and connected during this special time.
Remember, every baby is different, and it’s okay to reach out for help along the way.
For more support, visit La Leche League Canada.
