Breastfeeding Your Baby: From 24 Hours After Birth

When is it ok to Supplement?

While you are both learning to breastfeed, you may be tempted to supplement with formula (especially at night when patience runs thin and exhaustion creeps in). Proceed with caution. Studies show that just one bottle can interfere with breastfeeding by raising the baby’s milk intake expectations. 

However, there are situations that supplementing is medically indicated. In these situations, breastfeed first if possible, then supplement. An appropriate amount of supplement the first 1-2 days is 10-15cc. You can choose to supplement with expressed colostrum or breast milk if available.

Attempt to Feed Your Baby Every 2-3 Hours

• Offer your breast whenever you see feeding cues (quiet-alert state, rooting, hands to mouth, etc.).

• If it’s been 3 hours since the last feeding, wake the baby if necessary.

• Skin-to-skin contact with baby will help.

Goals For the Second 24 Hours

• Feedings: Six or more times in 24 hours with 10-20 minutes of sucking/sustained latch with each feeding
• Urine: Two or more wet diapers in 24 hours
• Stool: Two or more stools in 24 hours

Goals For the Third 24 Hours and After

• Feedings: Eight or more times in 24 hours with 10-20 minutes of sucking/sustained latch with each feeding
• Urine: Six or more wet diapers in 24 hours
• Stool: Three or more quarter-size stools in 24 hours

On average, by days three to five, your milk will be in. You will see your baby’s stool change from a dark, tar-colored
meconium stool to a mustard yellow breast milk stool. If your baby continues to have meconium stools or
dark concentrated urine, call your pediatrician.

Getting Help with Lactation

If you need Lactation Services, The Lactation Store is a one-stop shop for all your breastfeeding needs. 

• Call the lactation consultant at 757-312-3159 with questions or concerns.
• If you need immediate assistance, call your pediatrician.
• After discharge, a lactation consultant or perinatal assistant is available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lactation Store, located inside the Lifestyle Health & Fitness Center.