MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

HOW MUCH NEWBORNS EAT It’s common when you begin breastfeeding to think you don’t have enough milk. But most of the time, you do. Your baby’s stomach is very small at birth and doesn’t need much to fill up. As their stomach increases in size, they’ll want to eat more — which also stimulates your breasts to keep making more milk. Tracking your baby’s feedings You can track your baby’s feedings and diaper changes on the daily feeding log (see page 58). If you have any concerns, talk with your health care provider or lactation consultant.

Signs your baby is eating enough • Feeding 8 to 12 times in 24 hours • Seems satisfied after feeding • Gaining the expected amount of weight • You can hear them swallowing milk • Your milk supply has increased • Producing enough wet and dirty diapers (see page 31)

• Appears active and alert with a strong cry • Baby's mouth and lips are wet and pink

APPROXIMATE MILK VOLUMES AND NEWBORN STOMACH SIZE

DAY 1 SIZE: Grape (5 to 7 ml) VOLUME: 1 to 1½ teaspoons per feeding

DAY 3 SIZE: Cherry tomato (22 to 27 ml) VOLUME: 1½ to 2 tablespoons per feeding

DAY 7 SIZE: Apricot (55 to 60 ml) VOLUME: 1½ to 2 ounces per feeding

At 1 month, newborn stomachs hold about 80-150 ml ( 2½ to 5 ounces ) per feeding.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care