Latch Pain: Is It Normal or Something More?

As a new parent, one of your biggest concerns may be whether your baby is getting enough milk, especially in those first few days when everything feels uncertain. The good news? There are two clear signs you can monitor to ensure your baby is getting the nourishment they need—especially in those critical first two weeks. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to look for.

Diaper Output: What’s Normal for Newborns?

One of the most common pieces of advice you'll hear is to track your baby's diaper output. But it's not just about counting the diapers—it’s important to pay attention to what's inside them, too.

➡︎ Passing Meconium: By days 3 or 4, your baby should have passed their first stool, known as meconium. This stool will be thick and tar-like, but will soon transition to a yellowish-brown color.

➡︎ Urine Output: Until day 6, expect your baby to have one wet diaper per day of life (1 diaper on day 1, 2 on day 2, etc.). After day 6, your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers per day.

➡︎ Regular Stooling: By day 4, your baby should have at least 4 stools per day.

However, it’s important not to assume that frequent stools mean your baby is gaining weight appropriately. I’ve worked with many parents whose babies had frequent stools but still struggled with slow weight gain. So, alongside stool frequency, pay attention to stool size. If your baby’s stools are consistently small (around the size of a quarter), this could indicate a need to consider other signs of feeding adequacy.

Sucking Patterns: Key Indicators of Milk Intake

Your baby’s sucking pattern can provide valuable insights into how well they’re feeding. Pay close attention to these three key aspects:

➡︎ Sucking Bursts: How many sucks does your baby make in a row before pausing?

➡︎ Number of Swallows During the Burst: How many times do they suck before swallowing?

➡︎ Pauses Between Bursts: How long does your baby pause between sucking bursts?

Let’s dive into these to give you a clearer picture of what to watch for during feeds.

Sucking Bursts: At the start of a feed, your baby should suck at least 10 to 15 times before taking a pause. A healthy sucking burst looks something like this: suck, suck, suck, suck, suck, pause. If your baby pauses after fewer than 10 sucks, this could be a red flag that they’re not feeding effectively.

Swallows During the Burst: During the first letdown (the moment when milk flows most freely), your baby should be swallowing every 1 to 3 sucks. The ideal pattern looks like this: suck, suck, swallow, suck, swallow, suck, suck, swallow. If your baby only swallows after 4 or more sucks, this may indicate they’re not transferring milk efficiently, and that’s a red flag.

Pauses Between Bursts: Your baby should have short pauses between sucking bursts, lasting no more than 5 seconds. If your baby pauses for 5 to 10 seconds or if you find yourself having to prod them to continue feeding—especially at the beginning of a feed—that's a red flag. Babies should be alert and active by day 3 or 4, so if they seem overly sleepy or uninterested in feeding, it may be time to reach out to a lactation consultant.

How Do I Know if My Baby is Swallowing?

One of the most important skills as a new parent is learning to distinguish between sucking and swallowing. Sometimes, it’s easy to hear the swallow, but at other times, it’s less obvious.

To tell if your baby is swallowing, observe their jaw. When your baby sucks, their jaw will drop in a quick, small motion. When they swallow, the jaw will drop a little deeper and pause slightly longer.

For more help with identifying the suck-swallow pattern, check out my short videos on my Instagram page.

When to Seek Help: Feeding Concerns to Watch For

You don’t need to rely solely on diaper counts to know if your baby is getting enough milk. By watching your baby’s feeding patterns closely, you can catch potential issues early and reach out to a lactation consultant before your pediatrician even brings it up.

The more red flags you notice, the more crucial it is to seek support. A lactation consultant can help ensure your baby is getting the milk they need. Remember, you’re not alone—we’re here to support you.

A Final Word: You’re Doing an Amazing Job!

The first few weeks can feel overwhelming, but once you learn to recognize your baby’s feeding cues, things will start to feel more manageable. Trust yourself—you’re doing an amazing job.

Struggling with Latch Pain?
If latch pain or feeding challenges are making breastfeeding or chestfeeding feel overwhelming, my Reflexive™ Latching Guide is here to help. This step-by-step guide will show you how to work with your baby’s natural reflexes to get a deep, comfortable latch, so feeding feels better for both of you.

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