Even if latch and positioning look perfect, pain (particularly after the first two weeks), and/or ineffective milk transfer indicate that something needs to change, and the first suspect is ineffective latch/positioning.

If baby is gaining well on mom’s milk alone, then baby is getting enough. A 5-10% weight loss during the first 3-4 days after birth is normal. Baby should regain birth weight by 10-14 days. By day 5, average weight gain is 2/3-1 oz per day (5-7 oz/week). If these goals are not met, call your lactation consultant.

As long as baby is allowed to nurse on cue, your milk supply will typically accommodate baby’s needs. No pump can remove milk from the breast as well as an effectively nursing baby, so pumping does not maintain milk supply as well as a nursing baby. Because of this, the greater the percentage of baby’s nourishment provided by pumping (rather than direct breastfeeding), the greater the possibility that you may have to work harder to maintain supply.