A newborn typically drinks about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 mL) of breast milk per feeding during the first week, approximately every 2 to 3 hours, amounting to 8 to 12 feedings per day. By two weeks, this amount increases to around 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 mL) per feeding, and by about one month, newborns often drink 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 mL) per feeding with slightly fewer feedings per day. Most breastfed newborns consume about 500 to 600 mL of breast milk per day by the end of the first month.

Early Days Feeding

• On day one, the newborn's stomach is about the size of a cherry, holding 5 to 7 mL (1 to 1.5 teaspoons) of colostrum per feeding.
• By day 3, the stomach size grows to about a walnut, holding roughly 22 to 27 mL (¾ to 1 ounce) per feeding.
• Newborns feed frequently—about 8 to 12 times daily—to establish milk supply and meet their nutritional needs.

Growth and Increasing Intake

• Newborns drink small amounts initially but increase volume as their stomach grows.
• By two weeks, breastfed babies intake is around 500–700 mL daily.
• By one month of age, intake usually stabilizes around 600 mL per day, with feedings spaced slightly further apart but with larger volumes per feeding.

Feeding Frequency and Volume

• Nearly all newborns feed every 2 to 3 hours, day and night.
• Each feeding can last around 20 minutes initially but may shorten as the baby grows and feeds more efficiently.
• Feeding volume usually ranges from 1 to 2 ounces per feed early on, increasing to 3 to 4 ounces by about one month old.

These guidelines highlight that every baby is unique, and feeding on demand aligned with hunger cues is essential. Ensuring your baby is gaining weight, producing adequate wet diapers, and appears satisfied after feedings are good indicators they are getting enough breast milk.