By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Moms want what is best for their babies and are often concerned they won’t make adequate milk throughout the breastfeeding process. Couple that concern with daily social media posts about huge freezer stashes and 10+ oz. pumping sessions and moms can get full on anxiety about whether their production is “normal”. Don’t worry mamas! We’re here to let you know what a full milk supply looks like and to hopefully calm your fears about just how much milk you’re likely going to need.
THE AVERAGE BREASTMILK INTAKE FOR A BABY FROM 1 MONTH TO 6 MONTHS IS 25oz. PER DAY. Research tells us that the range is from about 19oz to 30oz. per day. Milk production usually peaks at around 40 days postpartum as well. Medically speaking, a full milk supply ranges from 750ml –1035ml per day. It’s also normal for this amount to fluctuate from day to day. It’s normal to see pumping output fluctuate from session to session as well.
FOR MOMS WHO ARE PRIMARILY DIRECTLY NURSING THEIR INFANTS, TYPICAL PUMPING OUTPUT CAN RANGE FROM 0.5 oz to 2 oz. PER SESSION. We talk to so many moms whose babies have been growing and thriving while nursing at the breast, but then mom becomes concerned when her first pumping session only yields about an ounce from both breasts combined. We can literally hear the relief in their voices when we tell them that THIS IS NORMAL! Mamas, you don’t have to be pumping 5-10 oz per session to be successful at breastfeeding! The amount you can pump is not necessarily an indicator of the amount your body is making. Pumping is a learned skill that takes time to develop for many moms. Take cues from your baby….if they’re growing well and making adequate wet and dirty diapers, chances are you’re making the perfect amount of milk for them.
EXCLUSIVELY PUMPING MOMS TYPICALLY SEE A PUMPING OUTPUT OF 2oz. – 4oz. EVERY 2-3 HOURS. Pumping is a learned skill and can take some time to get used to. The above output range is for moms whose supply is established (after 40 days postpartum). Unfortunately, some moms have been told that exclusive pumping will not allow them to make a full milk supply. This is just not true, mamas! With a high-quality, hospital strength pump, a consistent pumping schedule, and well fitted flanges, moms can make a full milk supply (and more) with exclusive pumping.
While it’s true that most women can make a full milk supply, it’s also true that a small percentage cannot. If you suspect you have low milk supply or just need reassurance that things are going well, don’t hesitate to reach out to an IBCLC. Our Spectra Baby USA IBCLCs are here to help with free virtual consultations. Click HERE to schedule. We can also help via email at Happy pumping, mamas!
Sources:
Bonyata, K. (2018, January 02). Exclusive Pumping • KellyMom.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from //kellymom.com/mother2mother/exclusive-pumping/
Bonyata, K. (2018, January 16). I’m not pumping enough milk. What can I do? • KellyMom.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from //kellymom.com/hot-topics/pumping_decrease/
Lawrence, R. A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2016). Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
Mohrbacher, N. (2012, November 27). How Much Milk Should You Expect to Pump? Retrieved July 27, 2020, from //www.nancymohrbacher.com/articles/2012/11/27/how-much-milk-should-you-expect-to-pump.html
How much milk does my baby need? The first week: By the end of your baby's first week of frequent breastfeeding, milk production increases from 1 ounce per day on day one to 10-12 ounces per day by day five to seven. Baby's stomach expands from the size of a large marble to the size of a chicken egg. Baby can take 1 ounce per feeding. The second and third weeks: Baby can now hold 2-3 ounces at a feeding and takes 20-25 ounces per 24 hour period. Babies often
increase the number and length of feedings due to growth spurts. Baby's age
Average ounces per feeding
Three days
1 ounce
One week
1.5 ounces
Two weeks
2-2.5 ounces
One month
3-4 ounces
The fourth week: Baby can now take 3-4 ounces for a total of 25-35 ounces per day. Amazingly, at around one month you are producing just about as much milk each feeding as your baby will ever need.
One month and on: At around one month, a breastfed baby reaches her peak daily milk intake of 25-35 ounces per 24 hour period. This stays roughly the same through six months of age until she begins solid foods at six months.
Achieving a good latch DO’S:
- Nose to nipple
- Head tilted slightly back
- Chin goes to breast first
Achieving a good latch DONT’S:
- Don't apply pressure to the back of baby's head
- Don't allow the soles of baby's feet to push against any hard surface
- Don't leave open spaces between you and your baby