The Well Fed Baby Checklist

To know that breastfeeding is going well, answer these questions when the baby is 5 to 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)
    Yes  |  No

  2. Is the baby wetting 5 - 7 diapers in 24 hours?
    Yes  |  No

  3. Do the breasts feel full before feeding and softer after feeding?
    Yes  |  No

  4. If the mother had initial nipple soreness, is this resolved?
    Yes  |  No

  5. Do you hear swallowing when the baby is breastfeeding?
    Yes  |  No

  6. Is the baby eating at least 8 times in 24 hours?
    Yes  |  No

  7. Does the baby seem satisfied after a feeding?
    Yes  |  No

  8. Is there a lack of sore, tender, or red and firm areas in either breast?
    Yes  |  No

  9. Has the baby started gaining 1/2 - 1 ounce per day?
    Yes  |  No

 

 

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 lactation consultant.