Breastfeed for love, comfort, rest & relaxation. Breastfeeding is mothering as well as nutrition. YOU CAN’T OVER FEED A BREASTFED BABY.

Baby has 8 or more feeds in 24 hours

Baby is feeding as long as needed at each feed

Baby has a normal skin colour

Baby is generally relaxed whilst feeding & is content after most feeds

Baby has wet and dirty nappies (see chart below)

Nipples are comfortable & rounded after feeding

From 3-4 days you can hear baby swallowing milk whilst feeding

You are happy with breastfeeding

Baby is sleepy and / or has had less than 8 feeds in 24 hours

Baby consistently has short or long feeds

Baby appears jaundiced (skin looks yellow)

Baby comes on & off the breast frequently during the feed - or - refuses to feed

Baby is not having expected wet & dirty nappies (see below)

Pain in breasts or nipples, or nipples look pinched after feeding

If you are not sure if baby is swallowing milk or feeding effectively

You feel baby needs a dummy or formula milk (dummies can mask feeding cues

NAPPIES:

Nappy contents change during the first week. This indicates that your baby is getting plenty of milk. Share concerns with your midwife. This leaflet shows colours of dirty nappies Link: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/breastfeeding-resources/off-to-the-best-start/

Baby's age

1 - 2 days old

3 - 4 days old

5 - 6 days old

7 - 28 days

Wet nappies

1 - 2

3 – nappies feel heavier

5– heavy wet nappies

6 or more - heavy wet nappies

Dirty nappies

1 or more dark green / black ‘tar like’ - this is called ‘meconium’
2 or more – changing in colour – brown / green / yellow – this is called a ‘changing poo’
2 or more yellow – may be quite watery
2 or more (at least the size of a £2 coin) - yellow and watery, ‘seedy’ appearance

 

 

(Number in each 24 hours)

* Your baby should ‘poo’ every day in first few weeks

JAUNDICE:

Jaundice in new babies can be normal. However, if your baby’s skin is a shade of yellow and your baby is sleepy and not feeding effectively, please inform your midwife straight away. Your midwife will monitor your baby and give you advice. Importantly, you will need to ensure your baby feeds effectively. Ensuring regular and effective feeding will help resolve the jaundice. This is important. Extra vigilance is needed when your baby was born under 38 weeks gestation. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/

To download a copy of the leaflet click here
Baby Friendly Team
Issue Sept.2022
Review Sept 2025
 
 
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