Feeding Your Baby in the First Few Weeks

Feeding Your Baby in the First Few Weeks
A baby that is feeding well:
Help is available from:
• Is feeding at least 8 times in 24 hours. Feeding more often is normal
and good; listen for swallowing or quiet “caw” sound.
• At 1 day old has at least 1 wet diaper and at least 1 to 2 sticky, dark
green/black stools.
• At 2 days old has at least 2 wet diapers and at least 1 to 2 sticky,
dark green/black stools.
o It is easier to notice urine in cloth diapers. A facial tissue
can be placed inside disposable diapers, if you are not sure.
• At 3 days old has at least 3 heavy wet diapers and at least
3 brown/green/yellow stools. Occasional “red brick-coloured”
staining is normal until day 3.
• At 4 days old at least 4 heavy wet diapers and at least
3 brown/green/yellow stools.
• At 5 days and older, as the milk supply increases, baby has at least
6 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 large, soft, yellow, seedy stools.
• Is back to birth weight by about 2 weeks of age.
• Ottawa Public Health Baby Express or Breastfeeding Support
Drop-Ins for support regarding breastfeeding and care of mother
and baby:
Get help if any of the signs listed above are not
present, or if:
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Your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feedings
Your baby is crying and will not settle after feedings
Your nipples are sore and do not start to get better
You have fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, or a red painful area on
your breast. If you have these symptoms: nurse baby often, apply
warm, wet towels to your breast and get lots of rest. Phone your
doctor or midwife if you do not feel better in 6 to 8 hours.
o Telephone 2-1-1 can help you find the closest Baby Express
or Breastfeeding Support Drop-In.
2-1-1 is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
o Visit ottawa.ca/en/health_safety/pregnancy
• Public Health Nurses at the Ottawa Public Health Information
Line at 613-580-6744 ext. 28020, are available
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ottawa Breastfeeding Buddies is a mother-to-mother telephone
support program for pregnant or new breastfeeding mothers.
To register, call 613-580-6744 ext. 23932, or e-mail
[email protected] | [email protected].
• Telehealth Ontario, 1-866-797-0000, is available 24-hours a day,
7 days a week
• La Leche League Canada – Ottawa Chapter, 613-238-5919:
For breastfeeding information and support, 7 days a week, visit
www.lllc.ca, or e-mail [email protected].
• Lactation consultants, breast pump rentals in the
community—there is a cost for this service. A
private lactation consultant may see you in a
clinic setting, drop-in, their office or your home.
Visit www.ovlc.net
• Your midwife or doctor
Breast milk is the natural food for your baby. Breastfeed anytime anywhere
(disponible en français)
ottawa.ca/health | ottawa.ca/sante
Ottawa Public Health, Early Child Health Section
(09/2012)
613-580-6744 | TTY/ATS : 613-580-9656