This is the number one question our breastfeeding mothers ask Pacify lactation consultants, and I think I know why. A breastfeeding mom has to believe two things:
1.) That her body is capable of making all the milk her baby needs to grow
2.) That her baby knows how much food it needs and how to get it
This is scary stuff! Most moms feel like they’re flying blind – just hoping for the best. Fortunately, there’s a better way to measure. Every baby produces two data points every few hours as evidence of breastfeeding success: poops and pees.
1.) POOPS: In the early days of life, there is an easy way rule of thumb for determining whether the baby is getting enough: a baby typically has one dirty diaper for each day of life. After about day four, stools should be yellow and seedy and the baby should have at least three to four stools per 24 hours. It’s important to note that some babies stool every time they nurse, which may seem like a lot, but is totally normal. Also, color and consistency can change over time so there shouldn’t be cause for alarm if an occasional poop is colorful.
2.) PEES: Like poops in the early days of life, a baby generally has one wet diaper for each day of early life. Once breast milk is in, at about day three or four, babies have about five to six wet diapers per day.
While diapers are a good starting point, every situation is unique, and many moms need a little more help and guidance from an expert. Pacify has those experts! Pacify lactation consultants are on call, 24/7, right from your smartphone. So if you’re wondering, “Is my baby getting enough?” or if you have any other concern related to breastfeeding, give Pacify a try. We are always here and happy to help.
Melanie Silverman, MS, RD, IBCLC
Chief Clinical Offer, Pacify
Melanie has 16 years of clinical expertise as a pediatric-specialized dietitian (RD) and lactation consultant (IBCLC), including seven years at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Pacify is available for download on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.