The amount of breast milk a baby needs varies by age and feeding frequency, but here are key guidelines:

• Newborns (first week): Milk intake starts very small due to tiny stomach capacity, about 7ml to 123ml in 24 hours on day 1, increasing to 98ml to 775ml by day 3, with feeds ranging from a few drops to about 30ml per feed

• First month: Babies typically consume 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60ml) per feeding initially, increasing to about 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120ml) per feeding by 4 to 5 weeks

• 1 to 6 months: Exclusively breastfed babies average about 25 ounces (750ml) per day, with a typical range of 19 to 30 ounces (570ml to 900ml) daily

. To estimate milk per feeding, divide total daily intake by number of feeds. For example, a baby feeding 8 times a day would need about 3 ounces (94ml) per feed

• After 6 months: Milk intake gradually decreases as solid foods are introduced, but breast milk remains a major nutrition source through the first year. Intake may drop from around 30 ounces (875ml) at 7 months to about 14-19 ounces (400-550ml) between 12 and 24 months

• Expressing milk: When expressing milk for a baby, aim to match the baby’s typical daily intake and feeding frequency. For newborns, expressing 500-700ml per 24 hours by two weeks postpartum is typical

In summary, a breastfed baby usually needs between 570ml and 900ml of breast milk per day in the first six months, divided across 8 to 12 feedings, with amounts per feed increasing as the baby grows. After six months, milk intake decreases as solids are introduced