Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding Is Going Well When...

  • Your baby nurses at least 8 times in a 24-hour period -- about every 2 to 3 hours for at least 10 minutes. It is normal for the baby to need to feed more frequently at times.
  • Your baby is having at least 6 to 8 wet diapers in 24 hours.
  • Your baby is having 3 to 5 (or more) yellow, loose bowel movements per day by the time he or she is 5 to 7 days old.
  • You can see and hear your baby sucking and swallowing while nursing.
  • Your breasts are softer after the baby nurses.
  • Your baby is content after nursing.
  • Your nipples are not sore throughout the feeding, or cracked and bleeding.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

  • Your baby does not sustain at least 10 minutes of rhythmic sucking and swallowing at least 8 times in a 24-hour period.
  • Your baby is restless during feeding and keeps pulling away from the breast.
  • Your baby is irritable after nursing and cannot be comforted by nursing.

Resources For More Information:

International Lactation Consultants Association:
(708) 260-8874

La Leche League International:
(800) 525-3243

The material contained in this document was prepared to provide basic information.
Questions concerning its application to your particular case should be directed to your physician.

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