Output Expectations

Output expectations or number of wet/dirty diapers is something breastfeeding moms are trained to watch. Since we cannot measure what is going in, we should measure what is coming out.

Here is a printable breastfeeding log that reminds you to feed 8-12 times per day. AND it shows you how many wet and or dirty diapers to expect for how many days old your child is. It is day 1-day 7. If you wish to continue past day 7, it is the same from day 7 on.

Printable Breastfeeding Log

An important thing to mention about stools/dirty diapers. The first stool a baby has is called MECONIUM. Here is a photo, because it is old blood it is black and tarry.

meconium stool, meconium newborn, black stool

By the time your milk comes in, the diapers will be VERY loose and this is normal. They sound like an explosion going off, are very watery usually a mustard green color with some curdy seedy type consistency to them. AGAIN, normal. Here is a photo of that poop.

breastfed poop, diarrhea baby

Here is a great book that will keep you well informed on what to expect with a breastfed baby:

Breastfed poop does not look like adult or formula fed poop. Breastfed babies often stool every time you feed them and in between. Breastmilk is pre-digested and it travels fast through the gut.And the opposite of the spectrum can be the case as well. Some breastfed babies can go up to 2 weeks without a bowel movement. As long as the baby is producing good wet diapers, is able to pass gas, is eating normally, is not vomitting, has a soft tummy then all is well. But if in doubt, check with your physician.

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16 diapers a day  starstarstarstarstar
When my first daughter was born, I had no idea what to expect. Even though I was a pediatric nurse at the time, I was clueless.
I had read that breastfed ...

White poo  Not rated yet
My daughter will be 4 months on 20/5. She recently seems to be peeing less and the last two weeks she has only put on 60-80g each week. Today she did a ...

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