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Signs That Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk

By the third day of life, (from 48 hours old to 72 hours old):

  • Your baby nurses 8-12 times in 24 hours.
  • Your baby has at least 3-4 wet diapers in 24 hours.
  • You can hear your baby swallowing.  A swallow sounds like a "sigh".  Frequent swallowing is the most reliable sign that the baby is getting milk.

By 4-5 days of life and following, your baby should have 6 or more wet diapers in 24 hours.

  • Your breasts are softer after the baby nurses.
  • Your baby has at least one bowel movement in 24 hours.  The pattern of stooling varies greatly in breastfed babies.  Stools are mustard yellow in color and a seedy/cottage cheese consistency.
  • Your baby is back to his birth weight by two weeks of age.


Call your Pediatrician if by 3 days of age:

  • Your baby is not nursing every 2-3 hours for at least 10-15 minutes.
  • Does not have 3-4 urine diapers in 24 hours.
  • Has not had one or more bowel movements in 24 hours.