The amount of milk a mother can produce per day varies from woman to woman and depends on several factors. On average, mothers generally produce between 25 and 35 ounces (750 and 1,050 ml) per day in the first months after giving birth. However, some mothers can produce much more or less than this amount. Milk production is influenced by the frequency and effectiveness of breastfeeding or pumping sessions, as well as the mother’s nutrition and hydration status. Mothers who breastfeed exclusively typically produce more milk than mothers who mix breastfeeding and formula feeding. Milk supply often regulates after the first few months to match the baby’s demands.
What affects milk production?
There are several factors that can influence how much milk a mother makes:
- Frequency of nursing/pumping: More frequent removal of milk from the breasts signals the body to produce more milk.
- Exclusively breastfeeding: Mothers who exclusively breastfeed tend to produce more milk than those who supplement with formula.
- Time since giving birth: Milk supply is highest in the first 3-6 months after birth then gradually decreases.
- Maternal diet: Eating a balanced diet with extra calories can help boost milk production.
- Hydration status: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, supports milk production.
- Use of galactagogues: Substances like fenugreek, fennel, and brewer’s yeast may help increase milk supply.
- Breast/nipple stimulation: Frequent nursing or pumping is key for removing milk and signaling more milk production.
- Maternal health: Medical issues like insufficient glandular tissue or hormonal imbalances can affect milk supply.
- Genetics: Some women are genetically predisposed to producing more or less milk.
Optimizing these factors by nursing/pumping frequently, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and addressing any medical issues can help support ample milk production.
How much milk do mothers produce in the first month?
In the first weeks after giving birth, many mothers produce 25-35 ounces (750-1050 ml) of milk per day on average. However, there is significant variation among women:
- Some mothers can produce as little as 12 ounces or as much as 64+ ounces per day.
- Milk supply is still regulating and typically reaches mature levels by 4-6 weeks postpartum.
- Mothers who switch breasts several times per feeding often produce more milk.
- Frequent nursing and eliminating long stretches between feedings boosts production.
- Exclusively breastfeeding and proper lactation support also increase milk supply.
While milk volumes vary in the early weeks, most mothers can make enough milk for their baby if breastfeeding frequently and on demand. By 1 month postpartum, milk production stabilizes and aligns with the baby’s needs.
How much milk supply changes over time
Over the first 6 months after giving birth, a mother’s daily milk production changes as follows:
- Birth to 2 weeks: 10-46 ounces per day
- 1 month: 25-35 ounces per day
- 2 months: 27-39 ounces per day
- 3 months: 28-40 ounces per day
- 4 months: 26-37 ounces per day
- 5 months: 25-35 ounces per day
- 6 months: 24-34 ounces per day
Key points about milk supply over time:
- Production is highest in the early months and gradually decreases as solid foods are introduced.
- Exclusive breastfeeding sustains higher milk production.
- As the baby grows, less milk is required to meet nutritional needs.
- Milk supply regulates to match baby’s demands.
- Hormonal changes contribute to decreasing milk volumes over time.
While every woman’s milk production journey is unique, this table provides a general overview of how milk supply establishes and changes in the first 6 months postpartum.
Daily milk production for pumping mothers
For mothers who exclusively pump their milk, average daily production is often slightly lower than mothers who breastfeed directly. However, with sufficient pumping sessions, most mothers can produce adequate milk by pumping. Here are some general guidelines:
- First 6 weeks: Pump 8-12 times per day, at least every 3 hours.
- 1 month: Produce around 20-30 oz per day if pumping 8-10 times.
- 2 months: Produce around 24-28 oz per day if pumping 7-9 times.
- 3-6 months: Produce around 22-26 oz per day if pumping 6-8 times.
Key strategies for maintaining milk supply when pumping:
- Pump at least every 3 hours in the early weeks when establishing supply.
- Aim to replicate baby’s feeding pattern as closely as possible.
- Double pump for more stimulation and shorter pumping sessions.
- Pump after feedings or in the middle of the night for hormonal benefits.
- Massage breasts while pumping to help drain milk.
Signs of low milk supply
Some signs that a mother may have a low milk supply include:
- Baby seems hungry shortly after feeding
- Fewer wet/dirty diapers per day
- Excessive crying or fussiness
- Poor weight gain for baby
- Soft or small feeling breasts
- Pumping small volumes after feeding
- Being able to pump more than baby typically eats
- Needing to supplement with formula
While mothers often worry about supply, true insufficient milk supply is uncommon. A lactation consultant can help determine if low supply is the cause of breastfeeding challenges.
Tips for increasing milk supply
If a mother wants to increase her daily milk production, some effective strategies include:
- Breastfeed or pump more frequently, at least every 2-3 hours.
- Allow baby unlimited time at the breast.
- Offer both breasts at each feeding.
- Pump after or between breastfeeding sessions.
- Ensure proper flange fit and pump suction when pumping.
- Massage breasts while nursing/pumping.
- Stay hydrated and eat calorie-rich foods.
- Take galactagogue supplements.
- Get extra sleep and reduce stress.
- See a lactation consultant for evaluation and tips.
In most cases, low milk supply can be improved with proper breast stimulation and maximizing milk removal. Mothers should see a doctor if supply does not increase with efforts.
How much milk do babies need
The amount of breast milk babies need changes as they grow. On average, newborns require the following estimated amounts of milk per day:
- 0-1 month: 25-35 oz (750-1050 ml)
- 1-3 months: 30-35 oz (900-1050 ml)
- 3-6 months: 27-32 oz (810-960 ml)
- 6-12 months: 20-30 oz (600-900 ml)
However, all babies are different. Growth, diaper counts, and satiety are better indicators of adequate milk intake than daily volumes. Breastfed babies self-regulate intake and need varying amounts at different ages.
Factors affecting babies’ milk intake
Some key factors that affect how much milk a baby takes in per feeding and per day:
- Age and size of baby
- Number of daily feedings
- How long and effectively baby breastfeeds
- Baby’s appetite and growth patterns
- Mother’s milk storage capacity
- Use of pacifiers or bottles
- Introduction of solid foods
- Whether baby nurses one or both breasts
Monitoring weight gain, diaper counts, and satiety signals are the best ways for mothers to ensure babies get enough milk. The intake of breastfed babies varies widely and changes frequently.
Storing extra breast milk
Mothers who produce more milk than their baby needs in a feeding can store extra milk. Good options for storage include:
- Refrigerator: 3-8 days at 4°C or lower
- Freezer: 6-12 months in back of freezer at -18°C or lower
- Deep freezer: 12+ months at -20°C or lower
- Insulated cooler bag: 24 hours when changing ice packs
Tips for handling excess milk:
- Store milk in small 2-4 oz portions to avoid waste.
- Use milk storage bags or sterile containers.
- Date and label all milk collection containers.
- Cool milk in the refrigerator before freezing for longer storage.
- Use refrigerator milk first before frozen milk.
Having an extra stash of milk can be reassuring and provide a feeding option when away from baby. With proper storage methods, milk keeps well for many months.
Common reasons for milk oversupply
Some common reasons for a mother having an oversupply of breast milk include:
- Strong let-down reflex
- Infrequent nursing or pumping
- Supplementing with formula
- Having twins or multiples
- Pumping after every feeding
- Hormonal imbalances
- Maternal medical conditions
- Use of galactagogue supplements
An oversupply often naturally decreases as the baby gets older and more efficient at feeding. Mothers can also try techniques like block feeding, adjusting pump settings, or feeding on just one side to reduce overall production.
Signs of milk oversupply
Some signs that a mother may have an oversupply of breast milk include:
- Leaking milk between feedings
- Breast fullness and engorgement
- Choking, gagging or pulling off breast during let-down
- Green, watery poops
- Fussy behavior due to excessive intake
- Being able to pump more than baby eats
- Recurring plugged ducts
An oversupply can lead to discomfort for mother and baby. Consulting a lactation professional can help determine appropriate ways to manage excess milk production.
Managing breast milk oversupply
If a mother has an oversupply of breast milk, some management techniques may include:
- Feeding from just one breast per session
- Allowing baby to pull off breast during let-downs
- Pumping less frequently or stopping pumping altogether
- Block feeding to reduce supply from overly full breasts
- Feeding in laid-back position for more control
- Adjusting pump settings to a lower suction
In many cases, oversupply will diminish over time as the baby gets more efficient at feeding. Mothers should monitor baby for signs of discomfort or dehydration from excess intake. Seeking lactation support can help make an oversupply more manageable.
When to seek medical advice
Mothers should seek medical advice about their milk supply if they observe:
- No breast changes by the 3rd trimester
- No milk production by 3 days postpartum
- Poor weight gain or dehydration in the infant
- Ongoing insufficient supply despite efforts
- Breast pain, lumps, or nipple discharge
- Bleeding, fever, chills or body aches
- Persistent oversupply not responsive to management
- Symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety
A low milk supply with no underlying medical cause is uncommon. Checking for tongue-ties, hormonal disorders, insufficient glandular tissue, and other issues can help identify causes. In some cases, prescription medication may be needed to increase or decrease milk production.
Conclusion
Breast milk production varies widely among lactating mothers. While daily milk supply generally ranges from 25-35 ounces in the early months, many factors like frequency of nursing, genetics, and maternal health influence volumes. Milk intake also fluctuates in babies depending on age, appetite, and feeding efficiency. Monitoring the baby’s satisfaction and growth, rather than sticking to rigid daily amounts, is key when assessing if milk supply is adequate. Mothers should know that their bodies are designed to fully nourish their babies through breastfeeding alone and seek lactation support whenever needed.