Breastfeeding Warning Signs

Mar 14

Signs of mastitis:

• A painful, firm, red area on breast
• Flu-like symptoms, such as chills or body aches (including headaches)
• A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

Signs of a yeast or bacterial infection:

• Your nipples are red, itchy, or painful
• You’ll see white patches inside your baby’s mouth
• Your baby has a diaper rash that doesn’t go away with normal care

When to Call Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

• If your baby’s skin or eyes become yellow (jaundiced)
• If your baby is not back to her birth weight by Day 14
• Breastfeeds less than 8 times in 24 hours
• Sleeps through the night
• Is very sleepy and needs to be awakened often to feed
• Does not have at least 4 yellow stools a day by Day 4
• Does not have at least 5 wet diapers a day by Day 4
• Has a reddish-orange stain in the diaper after Day 3
(due to concentrated curate crystals in her urine from being dehydrated)
• Stool pattern suddenly changes
• Has a hard time latching on or is not feeding well
• Often acts hungry after breastfeeding
• Baby’s feedings are very short (5 min) or very long (45 min or longer)

When to Call a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant

• Breasts have not become fuller, firmer, and heavier by Day 5
• Ongoing nipple pain or breast discomfort
• An open sore on nipple that is not healing
• Concerns about milk production or baby’s ability to breastfeed