How Much Breastmilk Does a Newborn Need?

How Much Breastmilk Does a Newborn Need?

One of the most common concerns for new breastfeeding mothers is whether their baby is getting enough milk. Unlike formula feeding where ounces consumed are clearly measured, it’s impossible to quantify exactly how much a nursing newborn drinks directly at the breast.

However, monitoring wet diapers, bowel movements, weight gain, and satiety provides clues to sufficient infant milk intake. This article covers how much breastmilk newborns and babies up to one year old typically need, signs your baby is getting enough, and what to do if you suspect low milk supply.

Breastmilk Intake Guidelines

While every baby is different, general recommendations exist for average breastmilk consumption at various newborn and infant ages:

0-2 Days Old: Colostrum, a few teaspoons per feeding.

3-7 Days Old: 2-3 ounces per feeding every 2-3 hours (8-12 times/day).

2 Weeks to 1 Month Old: 2-3 ounces per feeding 8 times/day, about 20-24 oz daily.

1-2 Months Old: 3-4 oz per feeding every 3-4 hours, about 24 ounces daily.

3-4 Months Old: 4-6 oz per feeding every 3-4 hours, 24-30 oz daily.

4-6 Months Old: 4-8 oz per feeding 4-5 times/day, about 30 oz daily.

6-12 Months Old: Down to 3-4 feedings/day with gradual introduction of solids, 25-35 oz breastmilk daily.

These averages provide a general guideline, but remember every baby is unique. Milk intake varies based on factors like your baby’s size, appetite, and growth spurts. Nurse on demand following your baby’s hunger cues rather than adhering to a strict schedule.

How Do I Know If My Newborn is Getting Enough Milk?

Since you can’t measure ounces consumed at the breast, look for these signs your baby is adequately nourished:

• Wet diapers: After milk comes in, at least 6+ wet diapers per day. Urine should be pale yellow, not dark or orange.
• Dirty diapers: At least 3-4 yellow, seedy stools daily after the first week.
• Weight gain: Regains birth weight by 2 weeks old. Gains ~6-8 oz per week in first months.
• Contentment: Baby seems satisfied after nursing, relaxed and content between feeds.
• Swallowing: Audible swallowing sounds during nursing.
• Soft breasts: Breasts feel softer after nursing from milk removal.
• Nursing duration: Baby nurses 10-20 minutes per breast when milk is established.
• Growth: Baby percentiles on the WHO chart are proportional over time.

Don’t worry if you can’t monitor diapers or weight daily. Nurse on demand, pay attention to hunger/fullness cues, and consult your pediatrician with any concerns.

Signs of Low Milk Supply

Contact a lactation consultant if you notice:

• Inadequate weight gain or failure to regain birth weight after 2 weeks
• Dehydration signs like dark yellow urine, dry mouth, or sunken fontanel
• Constant hunger, crying, and frustration at the breast
• Wanting to nurse constantly or for longer stretches
• Fussiness during and after most nursing sessions
• Consistently nursing less than 10 minutes per side
• Less than 6 wet diapers and 3 stools daily after 6 days old
• Difficulty establishing a good latch

If your milk supply seems low, keep nursing and hydrate well. Talk to a lactation consultant about using pumps and lactation aids to protect and build your supply while ensuring your baby gets enough nutrition.

How Much Should I Pump?

If exclusively pumping, aim for about 25-35 oz per day to meet an exclusively breastfed baby’s needs. Pump every 2-3 hours, ideally 8+ times daily including once overnight to mimic nursing frequency.

The amount pumped isn’t necessarily what baby would consume at the breast. Pumping output is variable and doesn’t necessarily indicate supply. Watch your baby’s fullness cues rather than adhering to a rigid pumped milk amount per feeding.

Tips for Nursing a Newborn

• Nurse soon as you notice early hunger cues like lip smacking. Crying escalates frustration and air swallowing.
• Ensure proper latch with lactation support to enable efficient milk transfer.
• Nurse 8-12 times daily in newborn period, even overnight, to build milk supply.
• Alternate breasts each feeding to maximize milk removal from both sides.
• Avoid time limits – nurse as long as baby wants per side.
• Burp halfway through feed and keep baby upright post-nursing to avoid reflux.
• Offer both breasts even if baby falls asleep on side 1 so they get hindmilk.
• Track feedings and diapers to identify patterns.
• Wake baby to nurse if sleep intervals exceed 4 hours in the first weeks.

Breastmilk Guidelines for Older Babies

• 6-8 months old: 3-5 feedings of 6-8 oz breastmilk daily.
• 9-12 months old: 3-4 feedings of 7-8 oz breastmilk daily as solids are introduced.
• 12+ months old: 16-24 oz breastmilk per day with meals as cow’s milk is introduced in a cup.

As babies grow, breastmilk intake decreases but remains an important source of nutrients, hydration, and immunity. Nurse on demand following your toddler’s lead weaning when you and baby are both ready.

Signs of Overfeeding Breastmilk

It is possible for both breastfed and bottle fed babies to get too much milk:

• Spitting up or vomiting after multiple feedings
• Colicky crying and apparent abdominal discomfort
• Wetting fewer diapers indicating over-full stomach
• Consistently nursing less than 10 minutes per side
• Difficulty latching on from over-fullness
• Excessive gas, congestion, hiccups
• Rapid weight gain well above average

With bottle feeding, use paced feeding techniques to control flow and prevent overfeeding. For nursing, watch for satisfied fullness signals and keep per-side feeding durations under 30 minutes.

When to Seek Lactation Support

Consult certified lactation specialists in these circumstances:

• Trouble establishing effective latch/positioning
• Nipple pain during nursing
• Poor weight gain or dehydration
• Premature or unhealthy newborn
• Anatomical variations like tongue-tie
• Transitioning baby from bottle to breast
• Adoptive nursing with induced lactation
• Supplementing with formula
• Pumping and milk storage questions
• Suspected low milk supply
• Returning to work while breastfeeding

Lactation consultants can help ensure your breastfeeding relationship gets off to the best start and provide ongoing support for nursing challenges. Attend La Leche League meetings to connect with fellow nursing mothers.

FAQs About Newborn Breastmilk Needs

1. How often should a newborn breastfeed?

Newborns need to nurse 8-12 times daily including overnight in the early weeks to build milk supply. Nurse immediately when you notice hunger cues and at least every 2-3 hours until satiety is reached.

2. Does breastfeeding increase milk supply?

Yes, nursing on demand helps signal your body to produce more milk. Never restrict nursing, nurse longer when possible, and avoid skipping night feeds. Pumping after nursing can further boost supply.

3. How long should a newborn nurse per breast?

Let your newborn nurse as long as they want per side, ideally 10-30 minutes. Switch sides when they detach or fall asleep. Always offer the second breast to get the filling hindmilk.

4. How do you know if a breastfed baby is full?

Signs of fullness include chin dribble indicating slowed sucking, relaxed limbs, hands opening, pulling off breast or resisting latching again, and contentment after feeding.

5. How often should newborns poop?

After meconium, newborns should poop at least 3-4 times daily by one week old. exclusively breastfed babies often stool after each feeding as milk passes quickly through their systems.

6. Is it normal for newborns to spit up breastmilk?

Yes, some spit up is normal especially if overfed or burped inadequately. But excessive spit up after most feeds or forceful projectile vomiting requires medical evaluation.

7. Can I breastfeed if I’m sick?

Yes, breastfeeding can continue when mom is sick with exceptions for a few illnesses like untreated TB. Your antibodies actually help protect your baby from whatever you have.

8. How do I help a jaundiced baby get enough breastmilk?

Wake jaundiced newborns every 2-3 hours to nurse. Put baby skin-to-skin allowing them to self-latch. Quick frequent feeds increase elimination of bilirubin.

9. What if I’m having breastfeeding trouble?

See a lactation consultant right away if struggling with supply issues, latch difficulty, or poor infant weight gain for personalized support getting breastfeeding on track.

10. When should I stop breastfeeding at night?

Avoid night weaning until baby is at least 6 months old and solids are introduced. Night feeds help establish milk supply and some babies continue night nursing well into toddlerhood per preference.

The Takeaway

Monitoring wet diapers, weight gain, adequate stooling, and signs of satiety after feeding provides reassurance about sufficient breastmilk intake for newborns. Reach out right away if you suspect any breastfeeding difficulties. With support, most mothers can meet their baby’s nutritive needs for healthy growth and development.