Breastfeeding Your Newborn: What to Expect in the Early Weeks
By Ileana Berrios, MS, IBCLC
Bringing home your tiny bundle of joy is exciting—and let’s be honest, a little overwhelming too. If you're breastfeeding, you may be wondering, "Am I doing this right?" or "How do I know baby is getting enough?" Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s walk through what you can expect during the first magical (and messy) six weeks of nursing.
Week One: Welcome to the Milk Party
🍼 How Often Should I Be Nursing?
In these early days, nursing is all about frequency—not perfection. Aim for at least 10 to 12 nursing sessions per day. That’s about every 2–3 hours, and yes, that includes nighttime.
👉 Pro tip: You can’t nurse too often—but you can nurse too little. Feed your baby at the first signs of hunger: stirring, rooting, hand-sucking. Don’t wait for crying—that’s a late hunger cue (and nobody likes a hangry newborn).
If your baby is extra sleepy (many are in week one!), wake them to feed if it’s been more than:
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2 hours during the day
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4 hours at night
🚼 Is Baby Getting Enough Milk?
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Weight: It’s normal for babies to lose up to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days. But once your milk comes in (usually day 2–5), baby should start gaining about 6 ounces (170g) per week.
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Poops: Expect one poop per day of life initially (1 poop on day 1, 2 poops on day 2, and so on). By day 4, poop should be yellow, loose, and the size of a quarter or bigger. Many breastfed babies poop a lot—sometimes every time they eat.
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Pee: Like poops, wet diapers also follow a daily pattern: 1 wet diaper on day 1, 2 on day 2, and so on. After milk comes in, expect 5–6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. Not sure what counts? Pour 3 tablespoons of water into a clean diaper to feel the difference.
Engorgement: When Your Breasts Turn Into Boulders
When your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk (days 2–5), your breasts might suddenly feel fuller, heavier, and sore. This is engorgement, and while it’s normal, it’s also... not fun.
💡 To feel better and prevent problems:
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Nurse often—don’t skip feeds (even at night!).
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Let baby fully finish one side before switching.
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Use cold compresses or cabbage leaves between feedings to relieve swelling.
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If baby can’t latch because you're too full, try hand expressing or reverse pressure softening to make the nipple more pliable.
Call Your Care Team If...
📞 Don’t wait to reach out to your doctor or lactation consultant if:
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Baby isn’t having wet or dirty diapers
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Poop hasn’t turned yellow by day 5
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Baby’s urine stays dark past day 3
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You’re in pain, feeling flu-like, or noticing a sore, red spot on your breast (possible mastitis)
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Baby isn’t waking to eat and is nursing fewer than 8 times/day
Weeks 2–6: Settling Into the Groove (Kind of)
⏱️ How Often Now?
Your baby may start showing patterns—but still expect 8 to 12 feedings per day. Continue nursing on early hunger cues, and let baby nurse as long as they’re actively sucking.
As baby gains weight steadily, you can usually stop waking them to feed and let them guide the schedule—within reason.
📈 Growth Spurts & Fuss-Fests
Don’t be surprised if your baby suddenly starts cluster feeding (nursing nonstop) and seems extra fussy. These are often signs of a growth spurt, which commonly hit around:
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The first few days home
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7–10 days old
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2–3 weeks old
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4–6 weeks old
Just keep nursing—your body knows what to do.
The Diaper Diaries: What’s Normal?
💩 Poop
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Expect 3–4+ poops a day, yellow and runny, possibly with a seedy texture.
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After 4–6 weeks, some babies poop less often—even once every 7–10 days. That’s totally fine if baby is otherwise healthy and gaining well.
💧 Pee
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Still expect 5–6+ wet diapers daily.
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After 6 weeks, baby’s bladder may hold more, so you might see fewer but heavier diapers (4–5 per day, each with 4–6+ tablespoons of urine).
Worried About Milk Supply?
You’re not alone—many new parents wonder if they’re making enough milk. Here’s the truth:
📌 If your baby is gaining weight well and having plenty of wet and dirty diapers, you’re making enough milk.
If you’re unsure or something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant. That’s what we’re here for!
You’ve Got This 💪
Breastfeeding can be tough in the beginning, but it does get easier. Think of these first few weeks as the time your body and baby are learning a new dance. Stay hydrated, rest when you can, and trust your instincts. You’re doing an amazing job.
Need Extra Support?
Whether you’re navigating latch struggles, pumping questions, or need reassurance, professional help is just a call away. Reach out to our IBCLC for personalized guidance.
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