Baby Parenting Guide

How much breast milk should I be feeding my newborn?

I am feeding my 6 day old newborn 3 oz of my pumped breast milk every 3-4 hours. After each feeding I pump more. I have looked everywhere to figure out if that is the correct amount and frequency but all answers I've come across only apply to if you are breast feeding (not using pump) so I'm not sure if she's getting enough or too much. Please leave references, thank you!!!

Public Response to How much breast milk should I be feeding my newborn?

1. I pumped for my baby when he was a newborn. I pumped right after I fed him and just gave him the whole bottle the next feeding. I don't remember the exact number, but I think it was about 2 1/2 to 3 oz a feeding. A baby won't eat too much, and if it isn't enough your baby will let you know. The general guideline for feeding babies is 2 - 2 1/2 oz per day for every pound of your baby's weight. But that's the general guideline, some babies eat more than others.
2. That's about right. Just remember breast-milk digests faster so I would make sure he is getting it every 3 hours. Also I would suggest letting him nurse also as just pumping does not always keep supply up all the time.
3. well i breast fed my son for 13 months, i didnt pump i just fed him from my breast. when he was a new born they told me just to feed him and when ever he stops eating he is probally done, burb him and if he still acts hungry then feed him some more. the best addvice i can give you is, if your baby seems happy or satisfied after each feeding then she is getting enough milk, but if she is crying and seems irritated burb her and if it continues then she is probally still hungry. newborns generally dont eat more than two ounces at a time, cause their stomachs are so small. i think the three ounces every 3-4 hours is good, my son ate every 2 hours and i cant tell you how much. also breast milk does digest more faster than formula and its thinner.
4. Babies self regulate, they don't know how to overeat. You feed them when they're hungry, and until they're full. When my son was a newborn he nursed every 2 hours. I think the hospital recommended every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. Breastmilk doesn't stay in the system as long as formula does, so babies may eat more often when breastfed, or they may eat more than formula fed babies.