Breastfeeding Checklist

Positioning

When nursing my baby,

My baby and I are "tummy to tummy"
My baby's ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line
My baby's mouth is at my nipples level when I nurse him
I often use a pillow to help me be more comfortable while nursing my baby
My baby's nose and chin are close to my breast
I support my breast with my thumb on top and fingers away from my areola--the part which surrounds my nipple

Latch on is going well when:

My breasts got full and firm between the 2nd and 5th day after my baby's birth
My baby's lips are curled out (like fish lips), not curled in (like he's angry)
My baby gets a lot of my areola, the dark area around my nipple, into his mouth
My baby's cheeks are full (not dimpled in) while nursing
I can see my baby's jaw move as he nurses
I can hear my baby sucking and swallowing on a regular basis
I do not hear clicking noises when my baby nurses
I let my baby nurse as long as he wants, for about 10 to 20 minutes of active sucking and swallowing
My baby gives me signs that he is hungry--rooting, sucking on hands, cries, and then I nurse him

Signs to look for:

My baby nurses about every 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours, about 8 to 12 times a day
By 4-5 days, my baby produces about 6 to 8 wet cloth diapers (5 to 8 disposable diapers)
My baby's urine is clear and/or light yellow, not dark and orange
By day 5, my baby's bowel movements are soft, yellow and seedy, and occur regularly
During the first 4 weeks, my baby has a minimum of 3 bowel movements a day
My baby's skin is firm and healthy (not loose skin, no yellow cast)
My baby's face, eyes and head are full, not sunken in
My baby is alert and happy
My baby seems happy while nursing, and content later
When I take my baby to the doctor's he is gaining weight

Signs that breast-feeding is going well for mom:

I am comfortable nursing my baby
I rest when my baby is resting (expect young baby to wake and feed during the night)
I am drinking fluids (milk, juice, water) when I am thirsty
I am eating foods from the various food groups
My breasts are not hard, lumpy or tender to touch
My breast feels fuller before I nurse my baby, and softer after I nurse him
My nipples are not sore
I know I can call my doctor or the Breast-feeding Help Line (247-1000) if I have questions or concerns about breast-feeding my baby.

Source: Allegheny County Health Department. Reprinted with Permission. 2/16/97

Last Updated: September 03, 2008