Newborn Handbook
Adequate Milk Supply Check List
By the fourth day after delivery, review the following questions to see if your baby is getting adequate milk supply.
- Is your baby having 5-6 or more wet diapers per day? Cloth diapers make this easier to determine.
- Is your baby having 2-12 bowel movements? One after each feeding to two per day is normal. After two months, a totally breastfed baby may begin skipping several days between bowel movements.
- Can you hear your baby swallow? This will be more obvious once your milk comes in. Your milk usually arrives 2-5 days after delivery.
- Are your breasts fuller before a feeding and softer after a feeding? This will be more obvious once your milk comes in.
- Is your baby content after most feedings?
- Is your baby gaining weight?
Babies should regain their birth weight by 10-14 days of age and then gain 4-7 ounces per week thereafter.
- Is your baby nursing 8-12 times per day?
If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, try feeding more frequently and for longer periods of time.
If you have any questions, please call our lactation consultant, Allison Scott, APN (479) 571-7184
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