How often should I feed my newborn baby?
Let your baby be your guide, and feed him as often as he wants to feed. There's no need to set up a breastfeeding routine during the first few days and weeks.
On the first day, your baby will probably feed at least three to four times. After the first sleepy day or two have passed, your baby may seem hungry most of the time. And he probably is, since he'll digest a feed within a couple of hours.
At this point, your baby will probably want to breastfeed at least eight times a day. Though he could feed a lot more than that, such as every hour or so. By the end of the first week, his feeds will probably have settled down to six to eight a day.
There's no maximum number of feeds a day when you're demand-feeding in the early days and weeks. The more your baby feeds, the more milk your breasts will be stimulated to produce.
It's normal for newborn babies to want to feed very frequently. If you meet your baby's demands by offering your breast, you'll produce more milk. Topping-up with formula during the first six weeks can reduce your milk supply, as your body won't get the signals from your baby feeding to make more milk.
What if my baby has lost weight?
It's usual for babies to lose between five per cent and 10 per cent of their birth weight a few days after the birth, which is when your baby will be weighed. But this doesn’t mean he’s not getting enough milk.
This weight-loss is normal, as long as it's no more than 10 per cent of his birth weight. If you had intravenous fluids during the last six hours of your labour or birth, it can contribute to your baby's weight loss, as he needs to lose the fluid he took on board.
After a few days, your baby should start to gain weight again. If he is weighed when he's between five and seven days, you may be able to see that he is starting to grow. By 14 days, most babies are at or above their birth weight.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
If you notice these signs, your baby should be getting enough milk:
Your baby is feeding at least six to eight times a day .
Breastfeeding feels comfortable and you are free of pain in your breast and nipple after the first few sucks, once your milk has let down .
Your breasts feel softer and less full after feeds.
Your nipple looks the same shape as when the feed began, or is slightly elongated .
Your baby looks a healthy colour, and has firm skin that bounces right back if you pinch it gently.
Your baby is alert when he is awake, and readily asks for feeds.
Your baby is wetting two or three wet nappies in the first 48 hours, which becomes more frequent. Once he's over five days old, he should have at least six wet nappies every 24 hours. Your baby's wee should be pale and odourless .
You can see your baby swallow while he is feeding, and he seems to be latched on properly. You'll be able to hear him swallowing more clearly too, once your milk has come in.
Your baby changes rhythm while sucking, and pauses during feeds. He should start feeding again when he's ready, and come off your breast spontaneously when he's finished.
Your baby’s poos are a yellowy-mustard colour by the time he’s five days old .
How can I tell if my baby isn't getting enough milk?
If your baby isn’t getting enough milk, you’ll notice one or more of these signs:
Your baby doesn’t regain his birth weight by the time he is 14 days old .
Your breasts don't feel softer after feeds.
Your nipple looks misshapen or pinched at the end of a feed, or feel sore or damaged.
Your baby is unsettled after feeds.
Your baby is wetting fewer than five to six nappies at around five days old, or fewer than six to eight nappies in a 24-hour period, if he's older than five days.
Your baby poos less than twice a day by five days old and the poos are not runny or yellow coloured. After a few weeks some babies poo only every few days, but dry nappies and scanty poos suggest your baby is not getting enough fluid.
Your baby's skin becomes more yellow, instead of less, after the first week.
Your baby is sleepy for most of the time and you have to wake him to feed.
Your baby has dimples in his cheeks, or makes clicking noises while breastfeeding. This is a sign that your baby is not latched on properly.
If you're concerned about any of these signs, talk to your midwife or health visitor.
One of the hardest things about settling into breastfeeding is feeling confident that you’re giving your baby enough milk. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your midwife, maternity support worker, health visitor, breastfeeding counsellor or baby feeding specialist at any time.
Watch our video to learn other signs that your baby's feeding and growing well.
Last reviewed: December 2013
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