Average Weekly Milk Production for Lactating Mothers
A healthy lactating mother of a full-term baby produces approximately 5,460 mL (5.5 liters) of milk per week, based on an average daily production of 780 mL/day. 1, 2
Daily Production Volumes
The average daily milk production for exclusively breastfeeding mothers is:
- 780-800 mL per day during established lactation (after the first month through 6 months) 1, 2
- This translates to 5,460-5,600 mL per week (approximately 5.5-5.6 liters weekly)
- The normal range extends from 450-1,200 mL/day 1, meaning weekly production can range from 3,150-8,400 mL per week
Timeline of Milk Production Development
Understanding the progression helps contextualize weekly production:
- Day 1: Less than 100 mL total for the entire first day 3
- Days 4-5: Rapidly increases to 500-600 mL/day 3
- After 1 month: Reaches 600-800 mL/day 3
- After 6 months: Stabilizes at 700-900 mL/day 3
- During extended lactation (7-20 months): Averages 875 mL/day at 7 months, decreasing to 550 mL/day at 11-16 months 4
Important Clinical Considerations
Common pitfall: Many mothers (two-thirds) produce less than 440 mL/day between days 11-13, and nearly one-third continue producing below this threshold between days 14-28. 5 This early inadequate production significantly impacts later lactation success, making objective measurement and early intervention critical.
Individual variation is substantial: Research shows breastfeeding frequency ranges from 6-18 times per 24 hours (average 11 times), with individual feeding volumes ranging from 0-240 g per feeding. 6 There is no relationship between feeding frequency and total 24-hour milk production, emphasizing that mothers should be counseled to support on-demand feeding rather than focusing on specific volumes or schedules. 6
Breast asymmetry is normal: Left and right breasts rarely produce equal volumes, and production depends on which breast is more productive, time of day, and whether night feedings occur. 6 Night feedings make an important contribution to total milk intake. 6
Energy Requirements
To support this milk production:
- Lactation requires approximately 670 kcal/day energy expenditure 2
- Mothers need an additional 500 kcal/day above pre-pregnancy requirements 1, 7
- The milk itself contains 60-70 kcal/100 mL 1, 7
Factors Affecting Production
Modifiable factors that increase milk production:
- Double pumping versus single pumping (produces 109 g/day more in first 10 days, and 491 vs 266 mL/day overall) 8
- Achieving 500 mL/day by day 10 (predicts 525 vs 232 mL/day long-term production) 8
- Breast pump comfort (best comfort: 489 mL/day vs worst: 311 mL/day) 8
- Frequent breastfeeding episodes (17 g increase per additional episode) 8
Breast storage capacity: The average storage capacity is approximately 210 mL per breast, and this correlates with 24-hour milk production, both responding to infant demand. 9 After 6 months, breast volume decreases but efficiency increases (more milk per unit breast tissue). 9