Recommended Frequency for Breastfeeding a Newborn
Newborns should be breastfed frequently on demand, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours (every 2-3 hours), to establish adequate milk supply, minimize the risk of hyperbilirubinemia, and ensure optimal infant growth. 1
Breastfeeding Frequency by Age
Newborns (0-1 month)
- Feed 8-12 times every 24 hours (approximately every 2-3 hours) 1
- Frequent feeding on demand decreases:
- Newborn weight loss
- Need for supplements
- Risk of clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia 1
- A study documented that breastfeeding 9-10 times per day is associated with lower bilirubin concentrations, while breastfeeding fewer than 7 times per day is associated with higher bilirubin concentrations 1
By 2 months
- Infants typically feed about every 3-4 hours
- Taking 3-4 oz per feed 1
By 6+ months
- Infants typically feed every 4-5 hours
- 3-5 feedings per 24 hours 1
Signs of Adequate Intake
Monitor these indicators to ensure sufficient nutrition:
- 4-6 thoroughly wet diapers in 24 hours 2
- Appropriate weight gain
- Change from meconium to mustard yellow, mushy consistency stools by the third to fourth day of life 2
- Normal weight loss for exclusively breastfed infants is 6-7% of birth weight 2
- Birth weight typically regained by 8-9 days 2
- Weight loss exceeding 10% requires careful evaluation 2
Important Considerations
Demand Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding
Research shows that breastfed infants should be encouraged to feed on demand, day and night, rather than conform to an average schedule that may not be appropriate for the specific mother-infant pair 3. Studies have found:
- Infants breastfeed an average of 11 times in 24 hours (range: 6-18 times)
- The volume consumed at each feeding varies considerably (range: 0-240g)
- Night feedings make an important contribution to total milk intake 3
Establishing Milk Supply
- Most mothers experience more copious milk production (lactogenesis II) by the third to fourth day after delivery 1
- Frequent, effective milk removal is critical for establishing adequate milk supply
- Continuous rooming-in with frequent, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended 1
Hyperbilirubinemia Prevention
Frequent breastfeeding helps prevent hyperbilirubinemia by:
- Increasing stooling in the newborn through colostrum feedings
- Increasing bilirubin excretion in the stools 1
- Ensuring adequate milk intake
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Rigid feeding schedules: Avoid imposing strict feeding schedules on newborns. Research shows wide variation in normal feeding patterns 3, 4.
Inadequate feeding frequency: Breastfeeding less than 8 times per day in the early weeks can lead to:
- Insufficient milk supply
- Excessive weight loss
- Higher bilirubin levels 1
Supplementation without indication: Practitioners should avoid recommending breast milk supplements unless breastfeeding technique and frequency have been optimized first or when supplementation is medically necessary 1.
Misinterpreting normal growth patterns: Breastfed infants may show different growth patterns compared to formula-fed infants, particularly after 3 months 2.
By following these evidence-based recommendations for breastfeeding frequency, mothers can establish adequate milk supply and ensure optimal nutrition and growth for their newborns.