What to Expect During the First Months of Breastfeeding

The first few months of breastfeeding are a time of learning for both you and your baby. It can feel challenging at first, but it gets easier. Here's what to expect and when to ask for help.

Month 1

Your baby needs to eat often to stay healthy and gain weight. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes. Your supply adjusts to meet your baby's needs.

Signs nursing is going well

Your baby nurses 8-12 times every 24 hours.
Your baby has 2-12 poopy diapers and 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours.
You can hear and see your baby swallowing during feedings.
Your nipples don't consistently hurt after your baby latches.
Your baby seems calm and satisfied after feeding.
Your baby is not getting water or sugar water.

Growth spurts

Around 2-3 weeks and 6 weeks, your baby may want to eat more often. This is normal. Keep nursing — your body will make more milk to meet the demand.

When to reach out for more support

Talk to your health care provider, WIC staff, or a lactation consultant if:

Your baby seems fussy during feedings and doesn't seem satisfied after most feedings
Your baby isn't nursing at least 8 times every 24 hours
Your nipples hurt while nursing, even after your baby latches
You can't hear your baby swallowing
You're worried you're not making enough milk
You think your baby isn't gaining weight
Your baby hasn't returned to their birth weight by day 10-14

Months 2 and 3

By months 2 and 3, you've learned a lot. You're settling into a rhythm now. Breast milk continues to be all your baby needs.

What to expect

More wet diapers and fewer poopy diapers
Your baby may have just one poopy diaper a day — or even once a week
Some babies pooping more often than others

All of these possibilities can be normal. If you're concerned about or are noticing extreme changes with your baby's poop, talk with your health care provider.

Pumping and storing milk

If you need a breast pump, contact your WIC clinic or health insurance provider. WIC staff an also help answer your questions about pumping, collecting, and storing breast milk.