In the first few days, your baby will only drink very little milk at a time – a few milliliters of colostrum, because their stomach is as small as a cherry. Over the first few weeks, the amount increases, and after about a month, many babies drink around 60-120 ml per feeding once breastfeeding is well established. But just as important as the numbers is what you can see and feel: a baby who wets and soils diapers, gains weight, and appears satisfied usually gets enough. Here, you'll find the approximate amounts and how you can assess whether your baby is thriving.

How many ml of milk does a baby drink per feeding?

There isn't one fixed number, as it changes quickly in the first few weeks, and every baby is different. But as a safe rule of thumb, you can imagine the development like this:

• Day 1: Around 5-7 ml per feeding. Your baby receives the thick, yellowish colostrum, which is concentrated and full of nutrients and antibodies. It doesn't take much to fill a newborn's stomach.
• Day 3: Around 20-30 ml per feeding, as "the rich milk" (the more mature milk) begins to come in.
• First week: Around 30-60 ml per feeding.
• After approximately 1 month: Around 60-120 ml per feeding, once breastfeeding is established.

These figures are approximate. Some babies drink small amounts frequently, while others drink more less often. Both can be perfectly fine, as long as your baby is thriving.

Why does a newborn get so little milk in the first few days?

It makes perfect sense when you consider the baby's stomach. At birth, it is incredibly small, and it can only hold a few milliliters at a time. Therefore, the small portions of colostrum are precisely tailored to what your baby can actually hold.

During the first week, the stomach grows rapidly, and at the same time, the milk flow improves. This is also why a newborn will typically be breastfed frequently – small, frequent meals suit a small stomach. Frequent breastfeeding also helps kickstart your milk production, so supply and demand are balanced.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

This is one of the most common questions, and it's perfectly natural to be uncertain when you can't see how much is leaving the breast. Fortunately, there are some calm, concrete signs you can look for instead of milliliters:

• Wet diapers: Once your milk production is well established, your baby will typically wet many diapers throughout the day. Clear, light urine is a good sign.
• Stool: In the first few weeks, most breastfed babies have bowel movements several times a day, often yellowish and loose.
• Weight: It is normal for a baby to lose a little weight in the first few days and then start gaining again. Weight is monitored by the health visitor.
• Suckling rhythm and swallowing sounds: When your baby is actively drinking, you can hear small swallowing sounds. After feeding, many babies appear relaxed and satisfied.
• Let-down: Many mothers feel a tingling sensation or pull when the milk comes in – the so-called let-down reflex. This can happen several times during a feeding.

You don't need to count milliliters at the breast. Your baby and your body regulate the amount themselves, and the visible signs tell you far more than a number.

How long does a breastfeeding session last, and how often?

A breastfeeding session typically lasts somewhere between 10 and 40 minutes, but it varies from baby to baby and from feed to feed. A newborn may take longer, as suckling requires effort, while a slightly older and more experienced baby often becomes more efficient and finishes faster.

In the beginning, many babies breastfeed 8-12 times a day. Let your baby control both the length and frequency – this is the best way to ensure that both the amount and your milk production keep up with their needs. If you want to increase your milk supply, frequent breastfeeding and good emptying of the breast are usually the most effective methods.

Is pumping as good as breastfeeding?

Pumping is perfectly fine and can be a great help – for example, if you need to be apart, or if breastfeeding needs to be supplemented. There is nothing wrong with using a breast pump.

At the same time, there are some advantages to direct breastfeeding that are worth knowing. Breastfeeding strengthens bonding through the hormone oxytocin, and the close skin-to-skin contact gives your baby warmth and recognizable sounds. The warmth of the breast even helps regulate the baby's temperature. If you combine pumping with breastfeeding at the breast, you'll enjoy the benefits of both. If you need to catch drips between feeds, nursing pads can keep you dry and comfortable in everyday life.

What should I wear when breastfeeding?

A good nursing bra makes a noticeable difference in everyday life when you breastfeed frequently. It should be easy to open with one hand, sit gently without pinching, and adapt to your body as your breasts change from feeding to feeding and from week to week.

Here, underwire is something you should avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not about preference, but about protection: a metal underwire can press against the breast and block milk ducts, which in the worst case can cause soreness and problems. Instead, Carriwell has developed the patented Gel-Support® technology. It combines the flexibility of soft silicone with a specially developed shape designed not to harm the sides of the breast towards the armpit, where milk ducts grow. This way, you get support that adapts to your body's changing shapes – without blocking milk ducts.

Carriwell specialized in seamless design almost three decades ago and was among the first in the world. Seamless is not a trend here, but the core of everything. It doesn't just mean the absence of seams, but a feeling of lightness: the bra conforms to the body, moves with you, and feels almost invisible against the skin. For you, whose body is constantly changing, the difference can be felt every day. If you need to sleep in it, there's also a softly supportive sleep bra for pregnancy and nursing, so you're well supported during night feeds. To see the full selection, you can find it under nursing bra.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ml of milk should a baby have per feeding?

This increases rapidly in the first few weeks. In the first few days, it's only a few milliliters of colostrum, after a week around 30-60 ml, and after about a month typically 60-120 ml per feeding. These figures are approximate, and your baby regulates the amount themselves. If you are unsure, ask your health visitor.

When does the mature milk come in?

The more mature milk usually starts to come in around day 2-4 after birth. Until then, your baby receives the thick, nutrient-rich colostrum, which is exactly what the small stomach needs. If your milk doesn't come in, or if you're concerned, contact your midwife or health visitor.

How often should a newborn be breastfed?

Most newborns are breastfed 8-12 times a day, meaning quite frequently. It's best to follow your baby's cues rather than the clock – frequent breastfeeding keeps your milk production going and ensures your baby gets enough.

How do I get more milk?

Frequent breastfeeding and good breast emptying are usually the most effective methods, because your body produces according to demand. Also, make sure to drink, eat, and rest. If you find that your milk supply is insufficient despite frequent breastfeeding, seek help from a professional – you are not alone in this.