BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS

Questions | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR BREAST FEEDING QUESTIONS

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)

Unresponsive or difficult to awaken
Not moving or very weak

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Age less than 1 month old and starts to look or act sick in any way.
Signs of dehydration (less than 3 wet diapers/day, pink-colored urine, sunken soft spot, very dry mouth).
Age less than 1 month old and refuses to breastfeed for more than 6 hours.
Refuses to drink anything for more than 8 hours
Age < 12 weeks with fever > 100.4 F (38.0 C) rectally

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Doesn't seem to be gaining weight by day 5.
Looks deep yellow or orange.
Less than 3 normal-sized, yellow-colored, seedy stools/day (during first 6 weeks) (EXCEPTION: may not be present while milk is coming in during 1-4 days of life.)
Less than 6 wet diapers/day. (EXCEPTION: 2 wet diapers/day can be normal while milk is coming in during 1-4 days of life.)
The mother has signs of breast infection (red, tender area on breast). (EXCEPTION: localized engorgement.)

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns.
Seems hungry after feedings (reason: needs a weight check).
Needs a formula supplement during first month (reason: breastfeeding not going well.)

Parent Care at Home If

Breastfeeding question about healthy child and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

View Anatomic Index of Topics