How will I know my baby is getting enough?

You can be assured that the baby is getting plenty of milk 

in a number of ways, including counting the number of wet 

diapers and poops. The color, texture, and frequency of 

your breastfed baby’s poops will change as your baby grows. 

The chart below offers a guide for the frequency and color 

of your baby’s daily poops and wet diapers. 

The boxes show the smallest number of diapers for most 

babies. It is okay if your baby has more diapers than what 

is shown.

Your baby may have more than 6 poops a day after the first 

week. Do not worry if your baby loses a little weight in the 

first few days. After about 5 days, the baby should gain 4–8 

ounces or more per week with breast milk. After 6 weeks, 

there may be fewer dirty diapers.

Contact your local WIC office for more information.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

This project was funded by USDA/FNS WIBR-05-TX-1.

October 2008

DAY 1 (birthday)

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

Baby’s Age Wet Poops

Our mothers and grandmothers are right when they 

tell us that breast milk is the best food for the baby.

Breast Milk:

• has all the nutrients your baby needs for proper growth 

 and development 

• may reduce the risk of ear infections and colds

• may reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other 

 diseases

• is easier for your baby to digest

• is always the right temperature, never too hot and never 

 too cold

Did you know that breastfeeding is healthier 

for you, too?

Breastfeeding:

• helps shrink your uterus to pre-pregnancy size

• helps prevent excessive bleeding

• may help you lose 

 weight faster

• helps you bond with 

 your baby

• releases hormones to 

 help you relax

Breastfeeding

A Magical Bond of Love

You Have Everything Your Baby Needs

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Learning how to breastfeed takes time 

and patience. Here are some frequent 

questions new mothers have about 

breastfeeding.

How can the doctors and nurses at the hospital 

help me breastfeed? 

Let your doctor or nurse know that you want only to 

breastfeed your baby. Ask for their help in getting 

started with breastfeeding. 

You have everything you need to make enough milk to 

feed your baby. You do not need to give your baby any 

additional fluids. You will have better success getting 

your milk supply established if you give your baby only 

breast milk.

Why do my breasts hurt 

when the baby starts to suck?

You may feel pain if your baby is 

not positioned properly or 

not latching on correctly to 

breastfeed. Talk to a WIC 

breastfeeding counselor to help 

position your baby properly. 

Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, 

other relatives, and friends who 

have breastfed can be good 

sources of information too!

Does crying mean my baby is hungry?

Babies cry for many reasons and you will learn how to 

tell when your baby is hungry. In truth, your newborn 

baby’s stomach is no bigger than a toy marble! Your 

colostrum is enough to fill a tiny stomach. By the third 

day, your baby’s stomach grows to the size of a walnut, 

and by day 7 it is the size of a ping-pong ball. 

How often should I breastfeed my baby?

Newborn babies breastfeed frequently, about every 11⁄2 to 

3 hours around the clock. Feed your baby when he or she 

shows signs of hunger: 

– squirming or restless movements while asleep

– sucking on hands or fingers

– smacking lips or opening mouth when lips are touched

– rooting or searching for mother’s nipple

The more milk your baby sucks out, the more milk you 

will produce! This is called supply and demand, and it is very 

important to the success of breastfeeding.

Can I feed my baby both breast milk and formula? 

Feeding your baby both breast milk and formula in the 

first month can decrease your ability to make enough 

milk. Giving the baby both breast 

and formula will reduce your

milk supply! If your baby gets 

full with formula and does 

not breastfeed, your breasts 

will make less milk.

Why does it feel like I’m not making 

any milk?

Before the milk comes in, new mothers 

produce colostrum. Colostrum is a sticky 

yellowish substance full of vitamins and 

minerals. This colostrum provides your 

baby with important immunities and nourishment. Though it may not seem like a lot, it is 

enough to fill your baby’s stomach in the 

first days. Your milk supply will come in 

within a few days.

How do I prepare to go back to work 

if I am breastfeeding?

If you are returning to work soon after your baby is 

born, it is best to make a plan about how to work 

and breastfeed. Find a day care center or babysitter near your job and talk to them about your plans 

to breastfeed. You can use a breast pump to collect 

and store milk for your baby to have while you are 

at work. WIC can help you learn about pumping 

and storing breast milk. You should start to pump a 

week before you return to work to ensure you have 

a good supply.

Breastfeeding creates a magical bond of love 

between mothers, babies, and families that lasts a 

lifetime! You have everything your baby needs!

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