As a pregnant or breastfeeding mom, understanding what to expect regarding breast milk volume is key to feeling confident about your baby’s growth and development. This guide offers helpful insights into the factors that influence milk production and provides average volumes based on your baby’s age. By empowering yourself with this knowledge, you can better navigate your breastfeeding journey and ensure that your little one receives all the nourishment they need to thrive.

Understanding Breast Milk Volume

Breast milk production varies significantly from one mother to another and can be influenced by several factors, including:¹

• Gestational Age: Preterm infants may require different amounts of milk than full-term babies.
• Frequency of Feeding: Most breastfed babies need to feed at least 8-12 times per day for healthy weight gain. We encourage you to be responsive to your baby’s feeding cues and not an arbitrary schedule.
• Supply and Demand: Although hormones play a role in initiating milk production, the major influence on milk supply is the frequency and effectiveness of milk removal. 
• Infant’s Age and Growth Spurts: Babies often require more milk during growth spurts, which can occur around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months of age. 
• Maximum Milk Volume: By the time your baby is about 6 weeks old, your milk supply is considered well established – meaning that you will be producing about as much milk as your baby will ever need!
• Variation: There is a wide range of milk intake among babies who are growing well. The following volumes are based on averages only and may be more or less than your baby needs. Always consult your healthcare provider and keep an eye on your baby’s weight gain, if you have concerns. 

Average Intake Based on Baby’s Age

Your newborn’s stomach is very small at birth.² As they age, your baby’s stomach will grow and allow for a higher volume of milk during feedings.  Here are general guidelines for breast milk volume based on your baby’s age:

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Milk Supply

• Feed on Cue: Be responsive to your baby’s early feeding cues. Breastfed babies typically need to feed 8-12 times per day, including nighttime feedings, especially in the early months.⁶
• Get Started Pumping: If you’re separated from your baby, having difficulty latching, or have concerns about milk supply, pumping will provide your baby with breast milk while you are working on improving breastfeeding.⁷ 
• Monitor Baby’s Output: In the early months, a well-fed baby typically has at least 6 wet diapers and at least 3 dirty diapers per day.⁸
• Keep an Eye on Weight Gain: Regular visits with your baby’s pediatrician will enable you to monitor your baby’s weight. 
• Seek Support: A Lactation Consultant can provide invaluable support in overcoming breastfeeding challenges and help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Lactation Q&A
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References