In the first few days, it is normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their birth weight. If your baby loses more than that, your public health nurse (PHN), lactation nurse or midwife will check their feeding pattern.
They will look at:
- how well they are attaching to the breast
- how they are taking in milk
- how often and how long they feed
- how many dirty nappies they have
- how your breasts look and feel before and after a feed
By day 5, when feeding is going well, your baby will start to gain weight. It can take up to 2 weeks for a baby to get back to their birth weight. Some babies gain weight faster than this.
In the first 3 months, breastfed babies usually gain around 150 to 200 grams a week. Your public health nurse and GP will record and track your baby’s growth patterns.
Your baby's mood or sleep patterns are not reliable indicators of milk intake.
Growth spurts
During growth spurts your baby will feed more often. This is normal. It is your baby's way of increasing your milk supply.
Feeding more often is called cluster feeding. It may last for 2 to 3 days. Then your baby will settle back into a similar pattern to before.
Feeding your baby responsively will help increase your milk supply to meet their growing appetite.
During a growth spurt, your baby may seem hungry all the time and your breasts can feel soft.
It's best not to limit feeds to a set number of times. Your milk supply will soon respond to the frequent feeds. You might find that your breasts feel too full after a growth spurt. But this will settle down in a few days.
Growth spurts may happen when your baby reaches:
- 2 to 3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 5 to 6 months
As these times approach, prepare to spend 2 to 3 days feeding more often than usual. You may find it a good time to rest and relax.
Concern about your breast milk supply
Feeding changes
As your baby grows, so does their tummy. Your baby's ability to feed and your milk flow also improve, resulting in quicker feeds.
Offer both breasts at each feed. Your baby will usually feed for longer from the first breast and for a shorter time from the second breast. Some babies may only need to feed from 1 breast per feed.
Your baby’s stomach is only the size of a cherry in the first few days. Small regular amounts of milk will be more than enough to fill their tiny tummy. At this stage, expect to feed at least 10 to 12 times in 24 hours.
Breastfeeding - concern about overfeeding
How to tell if your newborn is getting enough milk
How often to weigh your baby
After the first 2 weeks, your baby should not be weighed more than:
- once a month - up to 6 months of age
- once every 2 months - from 6 to 12 months of age
- once every 3 months - over age 1
Your baby will usually only be weighed more often if you ask for it or there are concerns about their health or growth.
Your baby's length may also be measured at some of their health and development checks.
If you wish to weigh your baby, breastfeeding support groups can also help.