Learning to Breastfeed

Most babies will breastfeed at least eight times in 24 hours (day and night).

Night time feeds are normal and important. Babies often cluster feed in the evening, feeding more frequently, sometimes hourly.

Most babies lose weight in the first 3 days. From day 4 onward, most babies gain weight regularly and return to birthweight by 10 days of age. Most babies gain at least 20 to 35 grams a day in the first three to four months of age.

How do I know my baby is hungry?

In the first few months, most babies feed at least eight times in 24 hours. This does not mean they feed every three hours. They will feed when they are hungry, during the day and throughout the night. It is normal to feed during the night for many months. Watch for your baby’s cues and respond to them.

Your baby will tell you when they are ready to feed, if they need a break during the feeding, and when they are finished feeding.
Crying is a late sign of your baby’s hunger and you may find that your baby is more difficult to latch onto the breast (or feed) when they are crying.
If your baby is showing late feeding cues, you may have to calm them down. Calm your baby by cuddling, holding them skin-to-skin, rocking, talking, or any other method that works for you.
Cluster feeding (frequent short feeds) is common in the first few weeks and during growth spurts. A baby may cluster feed and may seem to be feeding “all the time” or for hours at a time. This is normal as long as there are other times when they are settled. Watch your baby, not the clock.
Feed your baby as often and for as long as your baby wants, responding to their needs.
Keep your baby close to you during the early days and weeks.

This Baby Feeding Cues (Signs) (PDF) and Baby's Feeding Cues and Behaviours (video) can help you learn what infant hunger and fullness cues look like.

How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?

Your baby feeds at least eight times in 24 hours.
Your baby is sucking strongly, slowly, steadily, and swallowing often.
Your baby has a loud cry and moves actively.
Your baby wakes easily and is alert for feeds.
Your baby comes off the breast looking relaxed and sleepy.
Your breasts feel softer and less full after breastfeeding.
Your baby has enough wet and dirty diapers according to their age.

Your baby should be having AT LEAST the number of wet and dirty diapers listed in the chart. If there is poop and pee in one diaper, you can count it as both.

Signs your baby is feeding well
Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5 to 3 weeks old

At least: 1 wet diaper and 1 dark green or black poop	At least: 2 wet diapers and 1 dark green or black poop	At least: 3 wet diapers and 3 brown, green, or yellow poops	At least: 4 wet diapers and 3 brown, green, or yellow poops	At least: 6 heavy pale, or clear wet diapers and 3 large, soft, yellow or brown poops

Black poop in diaper next to toonie. Toonie is larger than the poop.

Only count poops that are the size of a toonie, or bigger.

If your baby does not have enough wet and dirty diapers, get help right away.

Guides to breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Matters: An Important Guide to Breastfeeding for Women and their Families - Best Start
This booklet will help mothers and families explore breastfeeding, including topics about deciding how to feed your baby, learning to breastfeed, getting help and other important information. Available in 18 languages.

My Breastfeeding Guide (PDF) - Best Start
This booklet has information and answers questions expectant or new parents may have about breastfeeding. Available in 18 languages.

Prenatal Education Breastfeeding - Prenatal Education Ontario

Available in English and French.

How to breastfeed videos

Latching your Baby (video) - Healthy Families BC
A video demonstrating a good latch to help support breastfeeding success.

Breastfeeding Videos (video) - International Breastfeeding Centre
A series of breastfeeding videos covering a range of topics, including good drinking, nibbling, breast compressions, latching, and cup feeding.

Instructional Videos (video) - Global Health Media
A series of breastfeeding videos covering a wide range of topics, including learning to breastfeed, expressing breastmilk, and common challenges.

Biological Nursing Scenario (video) - Biological Nurturing
A video demonstrating the laid back breastfeeding position.