What are the indicators for successful breastfeeding according to midwifery guidelines?

Successful breastfeeding is fundamentally indicated by the baby's weight gain. This is a crucial measure because weight gain reflects that the infant is receiving adequate nourishment through breastfeeding. In the first few days after birth, it is normal for newborns to lose a small percentage of their body weight, but by about two weeks of age, most babies will have regained their birth weight and will continue to gain weight thereafter. Steady weight gain is a strong indicator of effective breastfeeding, demonstrating that the baby is latching correctly, feeding frequently, and efficiently transferring sufficient milk.

In contrast, while a mother's fatigue level may provide insights into her overall well-being, it doesn’t directly reflect the effectiveness of breastfeeding. Hospital stay duration is more related to medical protocols and the mother and baby's health status rather than breastfeeding success. Finally, the amount of formula consumed is not a good indicator of breastfeeding success; in fact, significant formula intake may suggest difficulties with breastfeeding or insufficient milk supply. Therefore, monitoring the baby's weight gain is the most reliable indicator of successful breastfeeding based on midwifery guidelines.