Call your baby's doctor or breastfeeding counselor if:

• Baby has less than 4 dirty diapers and 6 wet diapers a day by the end of the first week. 
  
• Baby nurses fewer than 8 times in 24 hours. 
  
• It hurts to nurse your baby. 
  
• You can't hear baby swallowing. 
  
• Baby seems fussy.
  

Basics

• By the end of the first week, baby has 6-8 wet diapers and 4 or more dirty diapers in 24 hours.
  
• Baby seems satisfied and relaxed after nursing.
  
• You can hear or see your baby swallow.
  

Baby will nurse about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.

When to Seek Help

Getting Started

Is Baby Getting    Enough?

• Let your Dr. know that you plan to breastfeed
  
• Tell nursing staff you want baby to have only breastmilk and would like to have the baby in the room with you.
  
• Watch your baby for feeding cues.  Feeding cues include moving around, smacking lips, and sucking hands.   Try to nurse before baby cries, because crying babies are hard to feed. When full, baby will fall asleep, or spit out nipple.
  

Take care of yourself.  Drink when you are thirsty.  Eat when you are hungry (at least every four hours)  Rest when you can.  Ask for help around the house.

Enjoy your baby!