How Much Breastmilk Does Newborn Need

Figuring out the right amount of milk to feed your baby can seem tricky at first, especially when it’s your instinct to give them as much as possible to keep them full and nourished. However, newborns can only handle small amounts of milk at a time, and their feeding needs will change as they grow. 

Understanding these changes is key to ensuring your little one is well-fed and satisfied. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate how much milk should a baby have as they grow so you can be confident that you’re meeting their nutritional needs effectively.

As your baby grows, the nourishment they need also increases. Understanding how much milk your baby needs at each stage of development is key to ensuring they get the nourishment required for healthy growth. Here’s a closer look at how much breast milk to give your baby:

Day 1 to 2

Your newborn’s stomach is about the same size as a cherry, so small but frequent feedings are usually ideal. During their first 48 hours, you can start offering them 2 to 10 mL of milk per feeding session, about 8 to 12 times a day. This initial milk, called colostrum, is the yellow-tinted milk that your body produces in the first few days after birth. It’s the perfect start to their feeding journey, preparing them for more milk as they grow.

Day 3

By the third day, your baby’s stomach will have grown into the size of a walnut and can hold about 22 to 27 mL of milk. Feed your newborn at least 8 to 12 times a day to promote a healthy and ample milk supply going forward.

Week 1

Your baby’s stomach can now hold 45 to 60 mL of milk per feeding. At this stage, you’ll likely notice your baby becoming more consistent with their feeding routine, taking in more milk at each session but still needing frequent feedings throughout the day to stay full and nourished.

Weeks 2 to 3

Babies at this stage are growing quickly, so they will need consistent nourishment to keep up with their developmental needs. You can offer them 60 to 90 mL of milk per feeding session, about 8 to 12 times a day. 

1 to 6 Months

Your baby will now be more adept at feeding and can typically take in about 80 to 150 mL of breast milk per feeding session. At this stage, they may feed about 7 to 9 times a day, although some babies might stretch this out a bit longer as they start to establish a more predictable routine.

6 Months to 1 Year

At 6 months, the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines recommends introducing solid foods while continuing to breastfeed. [1] Although your baby is now ready for a variety of solid foods, breastmilk should still make up a large part of their diet, providing essential nutrients and immune protection. During this period, babies typically take in 90 to 120 mL of breast milk per session. Start with small amounts of solid foods while continuing to breastfeed around 4 to 6 times a day.

1 Year and Beyond

While the World Health Organisation recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond, there is no strict timeline that parents must follow. [2] Breast milk continues to provide valuable nutrients and immune benefits as your child grows, so extended breastfeeding can still play a key role in their development. 

During this period, how much milk a baby should have depends on the mum’s and toddler’s needs and preferences. Some may breastfeed only once before bed or in the morning. Others, however, may continue breastfeeding as a bigger portion of their daily diet. Remember to follow your baby’s cues to decide when they want to be fed with milk.

If you want to forgo direct breastfeeding, you can still provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk through pumping. Using a breast pump and baby milk bottle to feed your little one allows you to continue offering breast milk even if you stop nursing directly.

Oftentimes, your baby will give you clear signs that they’re well-fed and properly nourished. A well-nourished newborn should:

• Nurse at least 8 to 12 times a day
• Lose no more than 7% of birth weight in the first few days after birth before starting to put on some weight
• Have clear or pale urine
• Have at  least 5 to 6 wet nappies a day (by 5 days old)
• Have 1 or 2 bowel movements per day (on days 1 and 2) with blackish, tarry stools
• Have at least 2 stools that start to appear greenish to yellow (on days 3 and 4)
• Have at least 3 to 4 bowel movements per day (on days 5 to 7)

If you notice any of these signs, it might be best to reach out to your healthcare provider or lactation consultant. Early intervention can help ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

• Less than 5 wet nappies a day
• Lack of regular bowel movements
• Constant fussiness or crying
• Baby feeding for only a few minutes or not sucking effectively

When a baby isn’t getting enough milk, they may exhibit certain behaviours that signal their hunger or discomfort. Monitoring these signs and addressing these concerns early can help ensure your baby gets back on track with their growth and development.

• Increased fussiness. A baby who isn’t getting enough milk may seem irritable, restless, and cry more often, especially after feeding.
• Lethargy. While newborns sleep a lot, a baby who isn't well-nourished may appear overly sleepy or lack energy, even during feedings.
• Insufficient weight gain. Weight gain is one of the best indicators of a baby’s health. If your baby isn’t gaining weight or is losing weight, it’s a sign they’re not getting enough milk.
• Slow development. Long-term underfeeding can affect your baby’s growth and development, as breast milk provides essential nutrients for the brain and body.

If you’re concerned about your milk supply, there are several ways to boost it and ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need. Here are some simple tips you can follow to increase your milk supply:

• Breastfeed more often. Frequent feedings signal your body to produce more milk. Aim for 8 to 12 feeding sessions a day to help establish and maintain your milk production.
• Pump between feedings. If you feel your breasts aren’t fully emptied after a feeding or if your baby missed a feeding session, try pumping. Using a double pump to pump both breasts simultaneously can be especially effective as it helps fully drain both breasts at once, which can stimulate your body to produce more milk.

• Eat food and drinks that boost milk production. There are certain foods known as galactagogues that can help support and increase your breast milk supply. Including oats, fenugreek, brewer’s yeast, and leafy green vegetables in your diet may give your milk supply a natural boost. Hydration is also key, so make sure you're drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Feeding your newborn can feel like a guessing game, but with a little guidance, you can make sure your baby is getting the right amount of milk for their needs. By recognising signs of hunger, fullness, and growth, you’ll feel more in tune with your baby’s feeding habits. Wearable electric breast pumps can offer extra support by helping you nourish your little one with ease. With this, you'll be better equipped to support your baby’s growth with confidence.

Feeding your newborn can feel like a guessing game, but with a little guidance, you can make sure your baby is getting the right amount of milk for their needs. By recognising signs of hunger, fullness, and growth, you’ll feel more in tune with your baby’s feeding habits. Wearable electric breast pumps can offer extra support by helping you nourish your little one with ease. With this, you'll be better equipped to support your baby’s growth with confidence.

If you’re still unsure how much breast milk to give your baby or have concerns about their feeding patterns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician, lactation consultant, or maternal child health nurse. You can also talk to a counsellor from the Australian Breastfeeding Association for guidance and support with your baby’s feeding needs.

1. Why is my newborn still hungry after feeding?

Newborns, particularly 4- to 5-week-olds, can only hold about 3 to 4 ounces of milk at a time. That’s why they tend to be hungry again shortly after feeding. As they grow, their stomach also grows, which enables them to handle more milk over time.

2. Does soft breasts mean low milk supply?

No. Your breasts will naturally feel softer and less full as your body adjusts to breastfeeding. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

3. Does leaking breasts mean a good milk supply?

Your breasts may leak due to an overabundant milk supply. This usually happens in the first few weeks of breastfeeding, when your body is still figuring out how much milk your baby needs. For some mums, it may also be caused by the let-down or milk ejection reflex, which can be triggered by thinking about their little ones or hearing their cries. Using milk collection shells can help prevent leaks and allows you to collect every drop of milk that naturally leaks.

4. How to tell if a newborn is full?

Babies usually turn their heads away from the breast or bottle or unlatch from the nipple when they’re full. You might also notice that they stop sucking actively and start to lose interest, appearing relaxed or even sleepy.

5. What week of breastfeeding is the hardest?

The first few weeks are often considered the hardest, particularly between weeks 2 and 6. During this time, you’re still figuring out your baby’s feeding cues, and your body is also working to establish a proper milk supply. You may find that things start to get easier after the first 6 weeks, as breastfeeding patterns become more established.