Stanford University Stanford Hospital & Clinics Lucile Packard Children's Hospital VA Palo Alto Santa Clara Valley Medical
Stanford School of Medicine Newborn Nursery at LPCH
This Site Only
All School of Medicine Sites

Newborn Nursery Information

>
 
v
 
v
 
v
 
v
 
>

 

  
 

Is Breastfeeding Going Well?

To know that breastfeeding is going well, answer these questions when the baby is 5 - 7 days old.

1.

 

Is the baby having several bowel movements in 24 hours that are mustard yellow with curds in them? ("poop you can scoop", not just a smear)

 

Y
N
2.

 

Is the baby wetting 5 - 7 diapers in 24 hours?

 

Y
N
3.

 

Do the breasts feel full before feeding and softer after feeding?

 

Y
N
4.

 

If the mother had initial nipple soreness, is this resolved?

 

Y
N
5.

 

Do you hear swallowing when the baby is breastfeeding?

 

Y
N
6.

 

Is the baby eating at least 8 times in 24 hours?

 

Y
N
7.

 

Does the baby seem satisfied after a feeding?

 

Y
N
8.

 

Are there any sore, tender, or red and firm areas in either breast?

 

Y
N
9.

 

Has the baby started gaining 1/2 - 1 ounce per day?

 

Y
N

 

If you have answered NO to any of these questions, there may be some problems with feeding. Have the parents call their pediatrician and/or a Lactation Consultant.

 

Back to Breastfeeding