What to Expect When Breastfeeding

Are you expecting a baby, or have a newborn?

This is what to expect when breastfeeding during the first 6 weeks of your baby’s life!

The First Week

• Nursing Often is Key
  • Aim to nurse 10-12 times a day.
  • It helps your milk supply and prevents discomfort.
• Watch for Hunger Signs
  • Don’t wait until your baby cries.
  • Look for signs like stirring, rooting, or putting hands in their mouth.
• Let Baby Set the Pace
  • Allow your baby as much time as they need on each breast before switching to the other.
• Sleepy Newborns
  • If your baby is very sleepy, wake them to nurse if it’s been 2 hours during the day or 4 hours at night.

Is Baby Getting Enough Milk?

• Weight Check
  • Normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first days.
  • They should gain about 6 ounces a week after your milk comes in.
  • Check weight by the end of the first week.
• Dirty Diapers
  • Expect a diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two).
  • After day 4, look for at least 3-4 yellow stools daily, about the size of a quarter.
• Wet Diapers
  • There should be one wet diaper for each day of life in the first days.
  • Once your milk comes in, expect 5-6 wet diapers a day.

Breast Changes

• Milk Coming In
  • Your milk should increase between days 2 and 5.
  • To avoid engorgement, nurse frequently, make sure your baby latches well, and offer the second breast after they finish the first.

Call Your Doctor or Lactation Consultant If…

• Your baby has no wet or dirty diapers.
• Your baby’s urine is dark after day 3 (should be pale yellow).
• Your baby’s stools are dark after day 4 (should be mustard yellow).
• You notice fewer diapers or less frequent nursing than expected.
• You have symptoms of mastitis, like sore breasts with fever or chills.

Weeks Two to Six

• Nursing Often Still Important
  • Keep nursing 8-12 times a day.
  • Early nursing helps build a good milk supply.
• Look for Hunger Signs
  • Keep an eye out for signs like rooting or hand-sucking.
  • Nurse before your baby cries.
• Cluster Feeding is Normal
  • Your baby might nurse a lot in the evening.
  • This is common and helps them through growth spurts.

How to Know Baby is Eating Enough

• Weight Gain
  • Your baby should gain around 6 ounces a week.
  • If you’re concerned, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant.
• Dirty Diapers
  • Expect at least 3-4 yellow, soft stools daily.
  • After 4-6 weeks, fewer poops are normal if your baby is gaining weight.
• Wet Diapers
  • Keep expecting 5-6 wet diapers a day.
  • After 6 weeks, wet diapers might drop to 4-5 a day as baby’s bladder holds more.

Worried About Milk Supply?

• Check Baby’s Growth
  • If your baby is gaining well and has enough wet and dirty diapers, your milk supply is just right.

For more information: Breastfeeding your newborn — what to expect in the early weeks – KellyMom.com