How Often Should You Breastfeed Your Newborn? A Complete Guide for New Mothers

Baby breastfeeding close-up with overlay text “How Often Should You Breastfeed Your Newborn?”

Many new mothers are concerned with whether their baby is well-fed and healthy. However, a common question that arises is: How often should I breastfeed, and for how long? It’s normal to feel unsure, but with the right knowledge, you can approach breastfeeding with confidence and ease. Let’s dive into the essentials of breastfeeding frequency and how to meet your baby’s needs.

The First Days: Breastfeed as Often as Your Baby Wants

In the first few days, your baby’s stomach is small, and they’ll need to feed often. Most newborns will breastfeed every 1 to 3 hours during these early days. Frequent feedings help establish your milk supply and give your baby the nutrition they need.

Responsive Feeding: Following Your Baby’s Cues

Rather than following a set schedule, it's best to breastfeed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. Common hunger cues include:

Restlessness or fussing
Rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth)
Sucking on their hands or fingers

By responding to these cues, you’ll ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need while supporting your milk supply. The more frequently you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce.

Colostrum: The First Milk Your Baby Gets

In the first few days after birth, you’ll be producing colostrum, a thick, golden-yellow liquid that’s rich in nutrients and antibodies. Your baby only needs small amounts—around a teaspoon per feed—but frequent breastfeeding helps trigger your milk supply to increase.

The First Few Weeks: Gradually Extending Feed Intervals

As your baby grows, they will be able to go longer between feedings. During the first few weeks, babies typically breastfeed every 2 to 4 hours. Some babies may cluster feed (feeding more frequently over a shorter time), while others might go longer between feeds, sometimes up to 5 hours.

Don’t Worry About How Long Your Baby Feeds

Every baby is different. Some babies feed for shorter periods, while others may take longer. The important thing is that your baby seems satisfied and content after breastfeeding. If your baby is full, they will naturally stop feeding.

If you’re unsure how long to breastfeed on each side, it’s generally good to let your baby feed until they seem full, which often takes about 10 to 15 minutes per breast. If your baby prefers to feed from only one side at a time, that’s perfectly normal.

Waking Up Your Baby to Feed

In the early days, your newborn may sleep for extended periods. However, newborns need to feed every few hours to stay nourished and to help your milk supply. If your baby isn’t waking on their own, it might be necessary to wake up your baby to feed every 2 to 3 hours during the first few days.

Try gently patting them, undressing them, or changing their nappy to encourage a feeding session.

Maintaining Your Milk Supply: How Frequent Feeding Helps

Frequent breastfeeding is crucial for maintaining a healthy milk supply. The more your baby feeds, the more milk your body produces to meet their needs. Some mothers find expressing milk helpful, especially if they need flexibility or are returning to work.

Mom expressing breast milk with a manual breast pump in a hotel room setting

If you're looking for a way to express milk, a manual breast pump like the Avent Manual Breast Pump can provide a quick, effective solution, especially for moms on the go. If you need more efficiency or convenience, the Avent Electric Breast Pump can help express milk faster with its natural motion technology, designed to mimic your baby’s natural suckling action.

Mother using a wearable hands-free breast pump while holding baby at home

For even more flexibility, the Electric Hands-Free Breast Pump offers a wearable, hospital-grade solution that mimics your baby’s natural rhythm while giving you the freedom to move.

Storing Expressed Milk Safely

If you're expressing milk, proper storage is crucial to keep it fresh and safe. Always store expressed milk in clean, sterilized containers, and refrigerate or freeze it immediately to preserve its freshness.

For easy and secure milk storage, Avent VIA Containers are designed to keep your expressed milk organized and protected. Always label the containers with the date and time it was expressed. For longer storage, freezing the milk is ideal.

To keep feeding equipment clean and safe, the Avent Microwave Sterilizer Bags are a great on-the-go option. They sterilize bottles, pump parts, and accessories in just 90 seconds and they can be reused up to 20 times. For everyday use at home, the Sterilizer Advanced Electric Steam offers a more complete clean with pure steam, killing 99.9% of harmful germs.

Night Feeds: Don’t Skip Them!

Night feeds are essential for maintaining your milk supply. During the night, your body produces more of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production. If you skip night feedings, your milk supply could drop.

While it might be tempting to let your baby sleep longer stretches as they get older, keeping up with night feeds ensures they get the necessary calories for growth and development.

How Much to Breastfeed by 6 to 12 Months

Smiling toddler enjoying fresh fruits while seated in a high chair during meal time

By 6 months, your baby will start eating solid foods, which may reduce the frequency of breastfeeding. However, breast milk should still be a major part of their diet. Continue breastfeeding based on your baby’s hunger cues, and don't feel pressured to cut back too quickly.

At 12 to 24 Months: Breastfeeding Becomes More Flexible

By 12 months, breastfeeding frequency will vary more, as toddlers start to drink less milk and eat more solid food. Some toddlers may breastfeed only at certain times, like before bed or in the morning, while others may want to continue nursing throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I breastfeed my newborn?

Newborns typically breastfeed 8 to 12 times per day, usually every 2 to 3 hours. It’s best to follow your baby’s hunger cues, rather than sticking to a strict schedule.

How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk include steady weight gain, plenty of wet nappies, and appearing content after feedings. If you're concerned, tracking feeding sessions can help.

What should I do if my baby refuses the bottle?

If your baby refuses the bottle, it could be due to early introduction. Wait until breastfeeding is well-established (around 3-6 weeks) before introducing a bottle.

How should I store expressed milk?

Expressed milk should be stored in clean, sterilized containers and refrigerated immediately. It can also be frozen for longer storage, but always follow safe milk storage guidelines.