Signs of effective breastfeeding

In the early months, well fed babies should be having at least 8-12 feeds in 24 hours. This can reduce when babies start to sleep a little longer at night. This can increase during hot summer months when babies need lots of hydrating feeds, just like us.  

Your baby should wake up alert and ready for a feed, and after feeding from both sides (usually less from the 2nd side) they should seem satisfied and settled.  

During the early stage of a feed, babies should be swallowing after one or two sucks – this indicates a deep, effective attachment at the breast. More than a couple of sucks per swallow would suggest a shallow latch, this uses a lot more effort for less milk. Feeds should not be painful or cause squashing or damage to your nipples. This would indicate a shallow, ineffective attachment. 

Read more about ensuring a good latch here.

Nappy output is a great indicator of effective feeding. Young babies should be having at least 6 heavy wet nappies in 24 hours and at least 2 dirty nappies in 24 hours. These should be around the size of a £2 coin or larger, and be yellow and soft. 

Babies are routinely weighed at birth, on day 5, at around two weeks and at their 6-8 week check. If there are concerns around weight, speak to your health visiting team who may arrange more checks.

Remember you need to be responsive to your baby’s feeding needs. Some feeds may be longer and others just a quick snack. Sometimes babies want short feeds for reassurance or comfort as opposed to nutrition. 

Take a look at this video on responsive feeding for more information:

But feeding also needs to work two ways. This means feeding when your baby wants to, but also when you want to. This maybe for convenience, such as needing to feed earlier than usual due to an appointment. It’s also okay to wake a baby for a feed if required. Regular feeding can help to avoid blocked ducts and mastitis.

To make breastfeeding as comfortable and easy as possible, feeding positions need to be adaptable to suit every breastfeeding person too. Take your shape, the size of your breasts and your medical history into consideration to find a position that works for you and your baby at any given time. Attending your local breastfeeding group and/or speaking to a peer supporter might help with this.

The oxytocin produced from feeding has a beneficial effect on both you and your baby. It calms and soothes, helps your baby’s brain development and builds the emotional attachment between you.  

Speak to your health visiting team if you have any concerns.