Research has shown that with exclusively breastfed babies, the milk intake rapidly increases during the first few weeks of life, where after it stays about the same between one and six months (it may possibly temporarily increase during growth spurts).
After 6 months, breastmilk intake will remain at the same level until baby’s food intake increases.
Studies indicate that on average an exclusively breastfed infant consumes on average 750 – 1035ml of milk per day (89 – 148mls per feed)
The table below will indicate the amount of milk a baby would require, depending on the time they are separated from their mother.
| HOURS APART | AMOUNT OF MILK |
| 6 Hours | 222ml |
| 8 Hours | 296ml |
| 12 Hours | 444ml |
In Summary:
- The Average baby consumes 750ml-1035ml of milk per day.
- The average baby consumes between 89 – 148ml per feed
- Take 887ml and divide it by the amount of feeds.
E.g 887ml milk / 8 feeds = 110mls per feed
*Please note – this is only calculated on averages. Look out for your baby’s hunger cues to indicate whether he/she would need more / less milk.
Safe Handling & Storing of Breast Milk:
- Wash your hands before expressing or handling of milk
- Ensure milk storage containers are clean and sterilized
- Write down the date on the container before filling and storing
- Refrigerate milk straight after expressing (if you are not planning on using it within the next few hours)
- If the milk separates, gently swirl it to redistribute the cream before feeding (don’t shake)
- You can combine several pumpings in one container by adding cold to cold
- The Milk expands as you freeze it, so leave space at the top if you plan to freeze
- Fill each container with 60mls to minimize waste
- Store at the back of the refrigerator, where temperature is most consistent
- Horizontal bags may save space
- Use the oldest frozen milk first to keep it from getting too old
