Breastfeeding Success Guide: Tips for a Smooth Journey

If nursing feels comfortable and Baby seems relaxed, the feeding is most likely effective. Your little one is getting exactly what they need—no more, no less.

Still, if you’re looking for a few tangible signs to feel reassured, here are some helpful indicators:

• Poop: From about one week old (after passing meconium), a breastfed baby typically has around 3 mustard-colored bowel movements per day;
• Pee: Baby wets at least 5 diapers per day (60–90 ml of urine). To get an idea, pour this amount of water onto a clean diaper and feel the weight;
• Sleep: A baby who's getting enough milk usually sleeps at least two stretches of 3 hours over a 24-hour period. If not, they might not be feeding enough;
• After Feeding: If Baby is relaxed and calm, they’re full! If they’re still rooting and fussing, they may not have had quite enough;
• Growth curve: Over time, you can track Baby's weight gain using the WHO growth charts for breastfed infants.

Let-Down Reflex

When you nurse your baby, your body activates a series of hormonal responses that help milk flow. Hormones play a big part in this process.
As Baby suckles, the stimulation of the nipple signals your brain to release oxytocin. This hormone causes the milk-storing alveoli in your breast to contract, pushing the milk out.
This is called the let-down reflex, and it typically occurs a few minutes into the feed.

Comfort Nursing

Since pacifiers aren’t recommended in the early days, your breast becomes Baby’s go-to for both nourishment and comfort. These non-nutritive feeds, known as comfort nursing, are not about spoiling your baby—they meet a real physiological need.
Letting Baby nurse—even when hunger isn’t the main reason—offers essential comfort and emotional security. Evening fussiness? Nursing close to you is often the magic trick that soothes the day's emotions.