Reasons for concern

Nappies

Fewer than 5 to 6 wet nappies in a 24 hour period and/or reduced bowel movements. A young baby will usually have 2 or more soft bowel movements a day for several weeks of breastfeeding. An older baby is likely to have fewer.

Weight gain

Failure to regain birth weight after 2 weeks requires ongoing support and assessment from your health professional. Weight gain is not an exact science and varies from baby to baby. Remember assessing a baby’s development involves other factors. However your health visitor will record your babies weight in your child health record and if there are concerns will offer appropriate support and advice.

Growth

Your health visitor will record your babies head circumference and length in your child’s health record and if there are concerns will offer appropriate support and advice.

Appearance

If there is increased yellow skin colour, after the 1st week of birth this may be a sign that baby is not getting enough milk in the early days.

Contentment

A baby who is lethargic (appears extremely sleepy) or a baby who is unsettled most of the time requires further assessment from your health professional.

Milestones

Milestones are stages in development which babies are expected to reach as they get older. There are many reasons why a baby does not meet its milestones - poor feeding could be a possible cause. Your health visitor checks your baby’s developmental progress for you.

Other signs

Other signs that baby is not getting enough milk in early days and weeks on breastfeeding include the following:

• Making clicking noises and dimples apparent in the baby’s cheeks when feeding
• Short sucks – baby’s sucking pattern should have longer, regular deep sucks with pauses.