Average Breast Milk Output in 24 Hours
The average breast milk output for a fully breastfed infant is approximately 780-800 mL per day (range 450-1200 mL/day), with this volume remaining relatively stable during the first 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. 1, 2
Volume by Stage of Lactation
Early Lactation (0-6 months)
- Exclusively breastfed infants consume a mean of 800 mL/day, with individual feedings ranging from 696-938 mL/day depending on infant age. 2
- Total daily milk production averages 780 mL/day, though the range is substantial (450-1200 mL/day), reflecting normal biological variation between mother-infant dyads. 1
- Each breast produces approximately 454 g per 24 hours during exclusive breastfeeding, with production remaining relatively constant through the first 6 months. 3
Late Lactation (7-20 months)
- After 6 months, milk production decreases as complementary foods are introduced. 3
- At 7 months, breast milk intake averages 875 mL/day (representing 93% of total energy intake). 4
- By 11-16 months, intake decreases to approximately 550 mL/day (50% of total energy intake). 4
- Even at 15 months, each breast continues to produce substantial volumes (208 g per 24 hours). 3
Feeding Patterns and Volume Distribution
Frequency and Individual Feed Volumes
- Infants breastfeed an average of 11 times per 24 hours (range 6-18 feedings), with each feeding averaging 76 g (range 0-240 g). 5
- Exclusively breastfed infants aged 0-5 months feed approximately 8 times per 24 hours, consuming 103-153 g per feeding. 2
- Each feeding lasts 20-25 minutes, with milk transfer occurring at 4-7 g per minute. 2
Important Feeding Characteristics
- Night feedings are common and contribute significantly to total 24-hour milk intake—they should not be discouraged. 5
- Infants typically consume 67% of available milk in the breast at each feeding (range 0-100%). 5
- Left and right breasts rarely produce equal volumes, and intake varies based on which breast is offered first in paired feedings. 5
Impact of Mixed Feeding
When formula or complementary foods are introduced, breast milk intake decreases proportionally: 2
- Mixed feeding (breast milk + formula): 341-497 g/day
- Breast milk + complementary foods: 239-743 g/day
- Breast milk + formula + complementary foods: 90-508 g/day
Clinical Implications
Energy Content
- Breast milk contains 60-70 kcal/100 mL, with fat providing the majority of calories. 1, 6
- At average production of 780 mL/day with 0.67 kcal/g energy density, lactation requires approximately 670 kcal/day energy expenditure. 7
Key Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not expect all mother-infant dyads to conform to average volumes—the range of 450-1200 mL/day represents normal variation, and infants should feed on demand rather than to prescribed schedules. 5
- There is no relationship between feeding frequency and total 24-hour milk production, so more frequent feeding does not necessarily indicate inadequate supply. 5
- Breast milk volume remains stable at approximately 800 mL/day until 5 months of age, after which it plateaus before declining with introduction of complementary foods. 2, 3