Breastfeeding check
Is breastfeeding going well?
A two-minute check for the first weeks and months. Answer a few questions about the latch, feeds, nappies and how your baby seems, and see whether things are on track or worth a closer look.
About 12 questions, one at a time. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Signs of a good latch
- Baby's mouth is wide open and their chin touches the breast first, with the nose clear.
- You see more of the darker skin around the nipple above the top lip than below the bottom lip.
- Baby's cheeks stay full and rounded, not sucked in.
- Deep, rhythmic sucks with pauses, and you can hear or see swallowing.
- It feels comfortable after the first 10 seconds or so.
- Your nipple looks the same shape when baby comes off.
The first three days
- Your baby gets colostrum, a small amount of very concentrated first milk. Their tummy is tiny, so small amounts are exactly right.
- Feeding very often is normal and helps your milk come in, usually around day 3. On day 1 expect at least 3 to 4 feeds, then at least 8 in every 24 hours.
- Your baby may want to feed again soon after a feed, or several times close together, especially in the evening. This is called cluster feeding.
- Watch for early hunger signs: stirring, turning the head, opening the mouth, rooting, sucking hands or fingers. Crying is a late sign, so try to offer the breast before it.
Early hunger signs
Signs breastfeeding is going well
- Feeding is comfortable. Any tenderness as baby latches on eases within about 10 seconds.
- Your nipple is the same shape at the end of a feed as at the start.
- Your baby takes deep, rhythmic sucks, and from day 3 to 4 you can hear swallowing.
- After the first day, your baby feeds at least 8 times in 24 hours, usually for 5 to 40 minutes, and comes off by themselves.
- From about day 6, at least 6 heavy wet nappies a day, and in the first weeks at least 2 yellow, runny dirty nappies.
- Your baby is alert, a normal colour, and content after most feeds.
When to get help the same day
- Your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, or has fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected.
- Your baby's skin or the whites of their eyes look yellow.
- You have a red, hot, painful area on your breast, or feel feverish or flu-like.
- Call 999 if your baby is floppy, not responding or struggling to breathe.
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212
Breastfeeding questions parents ask
How do I know if my baby is latched properly?
Your baby's mouth is wide open, their chin touches the breast and their nose is clear. You can see more of the darker skin around the nipple above their top lip than below their bottom lip, and their cheeks stay full and rounded. They take deep, rhythmic sucks and you can hear swallowing. Feeding feels comfortable after the first 10 seconds or so, and your nipple is the same shape when they come off.
Should breastfeeding hurt?
Some tenderness as your baby latches on can be normal in the first days, but it should ease within about 10 seconds. Pain that lasts through the feed, or nipples that are cracked, bleeding or squashed after feeds, usually mean the latch needs adjusting. Getting support early makes a big difference.
How do I know my baby is getting enough breast milk?
From about day 6, look for at least 6 heavy wet nappies a day and, in the first weeks, at least 2 soft yellow poos. Your baby swallows regularly during feeds, comes off by themselves and is content after most feeds. Babies often lose a little weight in the first week and then start gaining.
What is cluster feeding, and is it normal?
Cluster feeding is when your baby feeds very often, close together, often in the evening. It is common in the first days, before the milk comes in, and during growth spurts, and it helps build your supply. If your baby never seems satisfied, has fewer nappies than expected, or feeding hurts, get it checked.
What are a baby's early hunger signs?
Stirring and waking, turning the head, opening the mouth, rooting, and bringing hands to the mouth or sucking fingers. Crying is a late sign. Offering the breast at the early signs makes latching easier, because a calm baby opens wider.
When should I get help with breastfeeding?
Speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP the same day if your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, has fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected, or looks yellow, or if you have a red, hot, painful area on your breast or feel feverish. For pain, a shallow latch or worries about milk supply, a breastfeeding consultation can help.
Can I get breastfeeding support in Russian in Kent or London?
Yes. Anna Pifko offers breastfeeding consultations in Russian and English, at home in Medway, Kent and London, or online anywhere. You can book through the consultation form or message her on WhatsApp.
This check is for information only. It does not diagnose anything and does not replace advice from your midwife, health visitor or GP. Based on UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative and NHS guidance, the parent sources recommended by Lactation Consultants of Great Britain.
Breastfeeding hurting or not going to plan?
Book a breastfeeding consultation in English or Russian, at home or online. We'll look at the latch together and leave you with a clear plan.