Many new mothers look forward to breastfeeding with great anticipation. You’ve devoted time and energy to preparing for your baby’s arrival, imagining those first magical days together. While some babies seem to be born knowing exactly what to do, it’s important to know that breastfeeding doesn’t always start out smoothly. When feedings don’t go as planned, it can lead to worries about weight loss, elevated jaundice levels, and low milk supply, which can feel stressful and overwhelming.

Signs Your Baby Is Feeding Well

  • Feeding at least 8–12 times per day (some cluster feeding is normal).
  • Latch is comfortable and your baby is content in between feedings.
  • Feeding on both breasts most or all of the time.
  • Significant breast changes (fuller, heavier, warmer, leaky) by Day 3.
  • Having more wet and dirty diapers every day the first week. Baby’s poop is yellow and seedy by Day 4–5.
  • Baby is back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age and gaining at least 5–7 ounces per week for the first few months.

Signs Your Baby Is NOT Feeding Well

Newborns, especially those born a little early, can be quite sleepy, making feedings more challenging. Long labors or surgical interventions can leave you both feeling exhausted. Some babies may struggle with latching due to factors like tongue tie or flat nipples.

Understanding that there are many reasons why mothers and babies might face challenges in the beginning can help ease your concerns. By knowing what to look for and recognizing the signs that your baby is getting enough breast milk—or not—you can help prevent complications and ensure your little one receives the nutrition they need. 

  • Infrequent Feeding: Fewer than 8–12 feedings in 24 hours.
  • Poor Latch: Difficulty latching, refusing to latch, or unable to stay latched.
  • Sleepy Baby: Baby appears unusually tired or is having difficulty waking for feeds.
  • Fussiness: Excessive crying or irritability during feeding times. Not seeming satisfied after feeds.
  • Weight Concerns: Excessive weight loss, poor weight gain, or not back to birth weight by 2 weeks old
  • Wet and Dirty Diapers: Fewer than 5–6 wet diapers per day or stools that are still dark and tarry after Day 3.

Steps to Take When Your Baby Isn't Feeding Well

Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact

Hold your baby skin-to-skin, as often as possible. This will help you respond quickly to your baby’s early feeding cues and trigger vital newborn feeding reflexes that will help your baby latch. This close touch supports your baby’s needs for warmth, safety, and it even helps babies stabilize their heart rate and breathing.

Watch for Early Hunger Cues

Look for your baby’s cues. Early feeding cues such as smacking lips, sucking on hands, or turning their head toward your breast are signs your baby is ready to start feeding. Offering your breast quickly when you notice these signs, rather than waiting for later cues like crying, is the best way to begin your baby's feeds. Starting when you are both calm supports both you and your baby as you learn together.

Offer Frequent Feedings

If your baby is very sleepy or only nursing on one breast per feeding, expect very frequent feedings, perhaps every hour or two during the day. This frequency is helping your breastfed baby get the extra milk they need. You can try to stimulate your baby to take both breasts by burping them and changing their diaper after the first side. Limiting swaddling during daytime hours may encourage easier waking and better positioning when latching.

Experiment With Feeding Positions

Make sure you and your baby are comfortably positioned. Don’t rely solely on a breastfeeding pillow—try using bed pillows or a favorite throw pillow from the couch. You might also find it helpful to elevate your feet with an ottoman, footstool, or wedge under your knees. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions (cradle hold, side-lying, football hold, laid-back, etc). Rotating through different feeding positions and locations can reduce neck, shoulder, or back pain common in the early breastfeeding experience.

Strive for a Good Latch

A deep and comfortable latch enables your baby to remove milk effectively. Your baby should latch well beyond your nipple and their mouth should cover a good portion of the areola. If the latch is painful, break the suction with your finger and try again.

Hand Express Your Colostrum

Because demand stimulates supply, if you have any concerns your baby needs more support with feedings, you can begin gently hand expressing your milk after feeding attempts. This expressed milk can be fed to your baby using a spoon or syringe before, during, or after feedings to prevent them from losing too much weight and developing other complications. This is a simple addition to your breastfeeding experience that can continue until you are more confident that feedings are going well. 

Get Started Pumping

Early and effective milk removal is an important tool for protecting your baby’s health. By Day 2, if they are still struggling to latch, get started pumping after feeding attempts. Continue doing hand expression after pumping sessions, as this may be more effective at removing colostrum than pumping alone. Milk production can become challenged when full breasts are not emptied regularly and effectively. Engorgement can impact milk flow, making it hard to get enough milk when your baby feeds.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s important for you to eat enough calories and stay well hydrated. Rest whenever you can. Prioritizing your recovery in between feedings will not only help you feel better, but will have a positive impact on your breastfeeding experience too.

Seek Professional Help

By seeking support before you leave the hospital, you can address any concerns about your baby’s weight, feeding patterns, or overall health with your healthcare team. They can help you understand what to expect with your baby's feeding needs between going home from the hospital and their first pediatric visit a couple of days later. If you have any concerns about breastfeeding or pumping, consider scheduling a virtual or in-person appointment with a Lactation Consultant during those first few days at home. Don’t hesitate to reach out for skilled help if you have questions or need support.

Feeding challenges are common in the early days of breastfeeding, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. By monitoring your baby's feeding patterns, wet and dirty diapers, and seeking support when needed, you can feel confident they are getting the nourishment they need. Celebrate the small victories, lean on your support network, and, most of all, cherish these precious moments together. This journey may have its ups and downs, but your dedication and love lay the foundation for a healthy, nurturing feeding experience.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.