How Often Should My Baby Breastfeed?

How often?

Frequent feeding is normal when your baby is first born. Baby may feed as often as every 1 to 2 hours. After the newborn period, your baby should be feeding at least 8 times in 24 hours including during the nighttime. 

The signs that baby is getting enough milk 

Comfortable latch and frequent swallows

The latch is comfortable and you hear frequent swallows throughout the feed and your breast feels softer after feeding.  

Baby appears content after a feed

Baby releases the breast on their own and appears content after a feed.

Baby is gaining weight

Baby is gaining weight and back to birth weight by 10 to 14 days of age.

Baby has plenty of wet and dirty nappies

At least 6 wet nappies and 2 to 3 or more yellow poos every 24 hours by day 4 to 5, and during the first month of life.

If baby doesn't have enough wet or dirty nappies, talk to your midwife, lactation consultant or Well Child nurse. This can be a sign that baby is not getting enough milk.

Watch a video about what to expect in the first few days

You could watch an Australian Breastfeeding Association video about:

• how much colostrum you produce
• what to expect with your breastmilk supply
• what happens to baby's poos and wees

The voice at the end of the video refers to Australian contacts. Remember, in New Zealand, contact your midwife, lactation consultant or Well Child nurse.

Watch the video

See the main KidsHealth page with a video and translated key messages.

Find out how to tell if baby is getting enough breastmilk