
Expressing milk for your newborn can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure how much milk to feed them. In the first 24 hours after birth, your baby will likely only consume a teaspoon of colostrum per feed, as their stomach is only the size of a cherry at this stage. Over the next few days, your baby's stomach will grow to the size of a walnut, and they will be able to consume between 22-27ml or 3/4-1 ounce per feed. During the first week, most full-term babies will take no more than 1-2 ounces (30-60ml) at feedings.
From two weeks old, babies will generally be back up to their birth weight and will have at least six wet diapers and three or more dirty diapers per 24 hours. At this stage, their stomach has grown to about the size of an egg, and they can consume between 80-150ml or 2.5-5 ounces per feed.
From one to six months, exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 25 ounces (750ml) per day. A typical range of milk intake is 19-30 ounces (570-900ml) per day. Boys typically drink around 28 ounces (831ml) daily, while girls drink around 25.5 ounces (755ml) each day.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How much milk does a newborn need? | On average, a newborn baby needs 25 ounces (750 mL) per day between the ages of 1 month and 6 months. However, the amount can vary from 19-30 ounces per day (570-900 mL). |
How often should a newborn feed? | Newborns need to breastfeed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. |
How much milk should be expressed at each feed? | The amount of milk expressed at each feed depends on the age of the baby. On average, a 2-month-old baby should consume 2 to 4 ounces per feeding. |
How long does it take to express milk? | The time taken to express milk can vary, but it usually takes no more than 20 minutes for each breast. |
How often should milk be expressed? | It is recommended to express milk 8 to 10 times in 24 hours, including at least once overnight. |
How much colostrum does a newborn need? | A newborn's stomach can only hold a small amount (about a spoonful) of colostrum. |
How long does it take for milk supply to increase? | Around 2 to 6 days after birth, the milk supply will increase, and the colour will change from yellow to white. |
How much milk should be expressed in the first few days? | In the first few days after birth, only a few drops of colostrum may be expressed, which is normal and sufficient for the baby. |
How to store expressed milk? | Expressed milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or in a freezer for 3-6 months. |
What You'll Learn
How much milk does a newborn need in the first few days?
A newborn's stomach is tiny at birth, about the size of a marble, so they need very little to eat in the first few days of life. The fluid a mother's body produces in the first few days is called colostrum. It is extremely rich in nutrients, so a small amount will cover the baby's nutritional and fluid needs. A baby will consume about a teaspoon of colostrum per feeding in the first 24 hours, which is ideal for their tiny stomach.
In the first few days, a newborn will feed very often, perhaps every hour, and this will help to stimulate the mother's milk supply. A newborn will breastfeed about eight to 12 times every day, or every one to three hours. They will also have a daily 'cluster feeding' session, where they will feed every 30 minutes to an hour for a few hours.
By day three, a newborn's stomach will have grown to about the size of a walnut, meaning the amount of milk they drink will have increased. By day 10, their stomach will have grown to the size of a ping-pong ball, with a volume of between 6 and 12 teaspoons.
It is important to feed a newborn on demand and to look for signs of hunger. In the first month, a newborn should be fed eight to 12 times per day.
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Colostrum
Colostrum is the first milk produced by mothers after giving birth. It is rich in nutrients and extremely beneficial for newborns, especially if they are born prematurely or are sick. In the first few days after birth, mothers will only be able to express a few drops of colostrum. This is normal and sufficient for the baby, as their stomach can only hold a small amount of milk (about a spoonful).
First Week
Healthy, term breastfed babies tend to drink the following amounts at each feed during the first week:
- 1 day old: 2 to 10 mL
- 1 to 2 days old: 5 to 15 mL
- 2 to 3 days old: 15 to 30 mL
- 3 to 4 days old: 30 to 60 mL
First Month
Research shows that exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 25 ounces (750 mL) per day between the ages of 1 month and 6 months. To estimate the average amount of milk your baby will need at each feed, divide 25 ounces by the number of feeds they have in 24 hours. For example, if your baby feeds 8 times a day, they will need around 3 ounces of milk per feed.
Two Months and Older
From two months onwards, babies will take an average of 5 to 7 ounces every four to five hours (25 to 26 ounces of breast milk each day).
General Guidelines
It's important to remember that these calculations are just estimates, and some babies may need more or less milk. As your baby grows and gains weight, you will need to adjust the amount of milk you feed them. Additionally, the amount of milk you put in a bottle will change when solids are introduced. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby's feeding schedule or nutritional needs, consult a healthcare professional.
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How often to express milk for a newborn
Expressing milk for a newborn can be done in many different ways and for many different reasons. It is important to know how much and how often to express milk for your newborn. Here is some detailed information on how often to express milk for a newborn:
How Often to Express Milk
It is recommended to express milk for a newborn at least 8 times in 24 hours during the first 2 weeks. This will help build and maintain a good milk supply. Many mums find a routine of expressing every 2 to 3 hours during the day, with a session just before going to bed, works for them. It is also important to have at least one session during the night as night-time sessions are crucial for building a healthy milk supply. Aim to have no more than 6-hour gaps between expressing sessions during the day and no more than 6-hour gaps at night.
Factors Affecting Expression Frequency
The frequency of expression will depend on the reason for expressing and whether your baby is also having some breastfeeds. If your baby is unable to feed at the breast or is having trouble attaching, you will need to express more frequently. If your baby is having some breastfeeds, you can express a little less often, but still aim for at least 8 times in 24 hours to maintain your milk supply.
Tips for Successful Expression
- Try to express as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 6 hours.
- In the first few days, hand express into a syringe or teaspoon as you will only be producing a few drops of colostrum, which is thick and small in volume.
- After a few days, when your milk supply increases, you may find it helpful to use a breast pump or combine pumping with hand expressing.
- Double pumping (expressing both breasts at once) is faster and more effective than expressing one breast at a time.
- Expressing close to your baby, so you can touch, see, smell, and hear them, can help the milk flow.
- Regular skin-to-skin contact with your baby can help increase milk supply and the likelihood of breastfeeding.
- Stimulate your 'let-down' reflex by massaging your breasts and using light touch in circular movements.
- Aim to always have soft breasts as hard breasts reduce the milk-making hormone.
- Fully drain your breasts as this will help make milk faster.
Storing Expressed Milk
Expressed milk can be stored in the fridge or freezer. It can be left out at room temperature for up to 4-6 hours, stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or 3-8 days, and frozen for up to 3-6 months.
Remember, expressing is a skill that takes time and practice to learn. It is important to seek help if you are struggling and to celebrate your successes. Any breast milk you can express is beneficial for your newborn.
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Supplies
Breast milk can be stored in the fridge or freezer. To store breast milk, you will need:
- Hard plastic cups or bottles with tight lids
- Pre-sterilised breast milk storage bags
- Permanent markers or stickers to label bags with the date and time
- An easily accessible section of fridge or freezer space to organise bags of milk
Storing Breast Milk
- Ensure the bottles or bags are closed tightly and securely to prevent leakage or spoilage.
- Store milk in small batches of 2 to 4 ounces.
- Label with the date it was expressed.
- Store milk at the back of the fridge or freezer, not in the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations.
- If you are travelling, store milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours.
- If you are giving the milk to a childcare provider, ensure the container is clearly labelled with the baby's name, and communicate any requirements for heating and storing the milk.
- If your baby does not finish a bottle, use the rest within two hours of feeding; discard any extra.
- Do not mix warm milk with cold. Cool freshly expressed milk before adding it to older, cooled, or frozen milk.
- Store milk in amounts that correspond to your baby's feed size to avoid waste.
- If you have more than one bottle of frozen milk, thaw the oldest bottle first.
- Do not use a microwave to thaw milk, as this can burn your baby's mouth and break down nutrients. Instead, leave the milk in the refrigerator overnight, or place it in lukewarm water.
- If you thaw milk in the fridge, use it within 24 hours. If you bring the milk to room temperature, give it to your baby within two hours.
- Do not refreeze or reheat breast milk that has been thawed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly pumped milk can be stored:
- At room temperature (in rooms 77°F and colder) for up to four hours.
- In the fridge for up to four days.
- In the freezer for up to 12 months, but it is best to use it within six months.
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Breast milk will naturally separate into layers when chilled, with fat rising to the top. Spoiled breast milk may appear stringy, mucousy, or contain pus. It will also have a rancid, foul odour.
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How Much Expressed Milk to Feed a Newborn
Newborns need to eat up to 12 times every 24 hours. In the first week, most full-term babies take no more than 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60ml) at feedings. After 4 to 5 weeks, babies reach their peak feeding volume of about 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120ml).
How to Increase Expressed Milk Supply
Breastfeed or Pump Frequently
The more you feed on demand, the more milk you make. In the early weeks, your baby will eat 8-12 times every 24 hours. Feed your baby every 2 hours during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night. Pump or express milk frequently between nursing sessions, and consistently when you're away from your baby, to help build your milk supply.
Offer Both Breasts at Each Feeding
Let your baby finish the first side, then offer the other side.
Empty Your Breasts at Each Feeding
Hand express or pump after feeding to draw out all the milk and signal to your body to make more.
Avoid Bottles and Pacifiers in the Early Weeks
Feed your baby from your breast whenever you can.
Get Plenty of Sleep and Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced diet that includes high-protein food. Drink when you are thirsty so that your urine is pale yellow in colour. Both under and over-hydration can decrease milk supply. Take an iron supplement if your healthcare provider says you are anaemic.
Relax and Massage
Relax, hold your baby skin-to-skin, and massage your breasts before feeding to encourage your milk to let down.
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Frequently asked questions
In the first 24 hours, your baby will likely only be able to consume a teaspoon of colostrum per feeding, as their stomach is very small.
In the first week, most full-term babies will take no more than 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60ml) at feedings. It is recommended that newborns are fed at least eight to 12 times a day.
On average, exclusively breastfed babies consume 25 ounces (750ml) of milk per day between the ages of one month and six months.