how much milk does my baby need?

Your new baby has a very tiny little stomach. Very small amounts of colostrum in the early days is plenty for him to grow healthy and strong. Your colostrum is perfect for him, and it’s unlikely that he will need anything else!

Let’s take a look at the amount of colostrum that your baby needs in the first 4 days.

On baby’s first day of life, he needs about 2 to 10 ml per feeding, which is about the size of a cherry! In his first day of life, he will take about one ounce total.

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On your baby’s second day of life, he needs about 5-15 ml per feeding – that’s about a teaspoon to about half an ounce per feeding, or about the size of a walnut. He will eat 8 to 12 times (or more) on day 2. 

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On your baby’s 4th through 7th day, he needs about 30-60 ml per feeding, which is about the size of a large egg. He will continue to eat 8 to 12 times (or more) per day. By day 5, your milk will be in! It is very important to continue frequent skin-to-skin and feed your baby every time he’s showing hunger cues. This will help him get plenty of milk to grow big and strong, and will protect you from getting engorged. 

From month one to month 6, your baby needs 3 to 5 ounces per feeding, or a total of 25-35 ounces per day. Breastfed babies do not need as much milk as formula fed babies do, and they do not require more and more as they get older.  

If you have any concerns about how much milk you are producing, or if you are unsure that your baby is getting enough, please talk about your concerns with a certified lactation consultant. 
I am available for in-home consultations usually within 24 hours of your request. Call or email me if you have any concerns.