“My baby is not getting enough milk” is one of the most common statements we hear from new parents. And, it is completely normal to be worried or anxious that your newborn is not feeding enough or not getting enough milk, because you can’t really know how much a breastfeeding baby is getting when she’s drinking right from the tap.
A newborn has a tiny stomach the size of cherry that can only hold a teaspoon of colostrum (your first milk before the milk production really kicks in). Because your baby’s stomach is so tiny, you’ll need to feed her constantly in the first 24 hours. As baby grows, the stomach grows and therefore baby will begin eating more per feeding and less feedings per day.
The stomach capacity of your newborn baby changes over the first two weeks of life.
Day 1: a newborns stomach wall is firm and doesn’t stretch. The size of the stomach is the size of a cherry. It can hold 5-7ml at a time. You will produce about 37ml (1oz) of colostrum in the first 24hrs and this is all your baby needs.
Day 3: Your baby’s stomach is the size of a Walnut. It can hold 22-27ml at a time.
1 Week: Your baby’s stomach is the size of an apricot. It can hold 45-60ml at a time. At around 1 week, your baby will start to gain back the lost weight. By the end of the first week your transitional milk has turned into mature milk which is thinner and contains more water. Mature breastmilk consists of 90 percent water and 10 percent of carbohydrates, proteins and fats necessary for both growth and energy.⠀
1 Month: Your milk supply will now be established and baby will be eating larger amounts of milk per feeding. Your baby’s stomach is the size of a an egg. It can hold 80-150ml at a time. Research tells us that breastmilk intake is quite constant after the first month and does not increase much with age or weight.
A newborn baby feeds anywhere from 8-12+ times in 24hrs, which means they are feeding every 1-3 hours.
All babies develop at different rates, but below charts will help give you some idea of how much breast milk, on average, and how many approximate feeding sessions, a breastfeeding or a formula feeding baby is getting each day. Remember: every baby is different and so if yours doesn’t follow these averages but is still gaining weight and thriving, no need to worry!⠀
The most important thing to remember, whether your baby is breastfed or bottle fed, is that your baby’s feeding requirements are special and unique! These numbers are only averages. Some babies will demand more frequent feeds, while others will be happy with the 3-4 hourly feed and settle.
What are some signs your baby is getting enough milk?
- Good output: Wet and dirty nappies Baby’s stools transition to yellow with a loose and seedy texture by day five.
- By day 2 look for two wet diapers over 24 hours, days three and four look for three or more wet diapers each 24 hours. By the time your baby is 5 days old, wet diapers should be more frequent (5-6 wet diapers)
- No significant weight loss: Anything more than 10% of their birth weight requires a feeding plan. eg your baby’s birth weight is 3000g and they are re-weighed and now 2650g which is a loss of 350g – this is more than 10% of their birth weight.
- Content and happy after a feed. Alert/active when awake, and meeting their developmental milestones.
This is just one of the ways you can help keep your little one happy and developing well. Having a feeding guide in place can help you track your baby’s mealtimes and anticipate when she’ll start to be hungry.
Remember, if at any time you have questions or concerns, reach out to your baby’s pediatrician for personalized guidance and advice.
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