By three or four days of age your baby:
- Has wet diapers at least 4-5 noticeable times (looks or feels wet) in twenty-four hours (pale and odourless urine)
- Has at least 2-3 bowel movements in twenty-four hours (colour progressing from brownish to seedy mustard yellow and at least the size of a loonie)
- Breastfeeds at least eight times in twenty-four hours
- Is content after most feedings
Other signs that suggest your baby is breastfeeding well are:
- You can hear your baby swallowing during feeding
- Your breasts are full before feedings and soft after feedings
- Your baby is only drinking breast milk
- Your nipples are not cracked or bleeding
If any of these signs is not present after your baby is 3 or 4 days old, or if you are having problems, please call for help.
- You can contact your Community Health Nurse
- 24 hour BC Nurse Line: Vancouver 604-215-4700 Toll Free: 1-866-215-4700
- Your physician or midwife
- Lactation Consultant
- La Leche League
You and your baby should be seen by your community health nurse or other health care professionals within two days of discharge.
Books:
- Baby’s Best Chance (available at no cost through your doctor, midwife or Community Health Department)
BC Women’s Hospital & Health Care
BCW #599
Revised March 2005
