Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How much breastmilk should you produce at 3 months?

How much breastmilk should you produce at 3 months?

Understanding Breast Milk Production at 3 Months
At three months postpartum, many mothers are keen to understand how much breast milk they should be producing to adequately nourish their growing infants. The amount of breast milk produced can vary significantly among mothers, influenced by factors such as individual physiology, the baby’s demand, and overall breastfeeding practices.
Average Daily Production
On average, a breastfeeding mother typically produces between 570 to 900 mL (approximately 19 to 30 ounces) of breast milk per day. This range reflects the normal variability in milk supply, with some mothers producing less and others producing more. By this stage, babies generally consume about 90 to 120 mL (3 to 4 ounces) per feeding session, which translates to a total daily intake of around 900 mL (30 ounces).
Feeding Frequency and Baby’s Needs
At three months, a baby’s stomach has developed to hold between 80 to 150 mL (2.5 to 5 ounces) per feeding. This means that if a baby feeds approximately every three hours, they may require around 24 ounces of milk in a 24-hour period. The general guideline suggests that babies need about 2.5 ounces of breast milk per pound of body weight daily during their first few months.
For example, if a baby weighs 12 pounds, they would need about 30 ounces of breast milk each day. This calculation helps mothers gauge whether their milk supply is meeting their baby’s nutritional needs.
Production Dynamics
Breast milk production operates on a supply-and-demand basis. The more frequently a baby feeds, the more milk the mother’s body is stimulated to produce. On average, a mother produces about 1 to 1.5 ounces of milk per hour, which aligns with the typical feeding schedule of a three-month-old.
Conclusion
In summary, by three months postpartum, mothers can expect to produce between 570 to 900 mL of breast milk daily, with babies consuming around 90 to 120 mL per feeding. Understanding these figures can help mothers feel more confident in their breastfeeding journey, ensuring that they are meeting their baby’s needs while also recognizing the natural variability in milk production.

How much breastmilk should I be producing at 3 months?

For infants between 1-6 months old, the average is around 750 mL/25.36 oz a day. A single breastfeeding session might produce between 54-234 mL/1.82-7.91 oz of milk. A mom might nurse between 4-13 times every day depending on the baby’s appetite, how much milk is removed each session, and other external factors.

Does breastmilk supply decrease at 3 months?

As time goes on, you may no longer experience breast fullness thanks to supply regulation and our body’s ability to make milk “just in time.” This does not necessarily mean that you have lost your supply or are experiencing a decrease in milk production.

Is 6 ounces of breastmilk too much for a 3 month old?

6 oz is typical for bottle fed babies because they’re usually on more of a schedule and typically arent being fed overnight, or if they are its maybe once. Breast fed babies tend to eat more often in smaller amounts… i would stick with 4.5 oz if that’s what you’re producing.

How much milk does a baby get from 30 minutes of breastfeeding?

A single breastfeeding session can express anywhere from 54 – 234 mL (1.8 – 7.9 oz.) of milk. Boys typically drink about 831 mL (28 oz.) daily while girls usually drink about 755 mL (25.5 oz.)

What is the feeding capacity of 3 month baby?

Age

Age Amount of Milk Frequency
2 weeks to 2 months 60ml to 120ml 8 to 12 times daily
2–4 months 120ml to 180ml 6 to 8 times a day
4-6 months 120ml to 240ml 5 to 6 times a day
6–12 months 240ml 3 to 4 times a day

Is it too late to increase milk supply at 3 months?

NO, it is NEVER too late! 🚫⏰ With the right pump, flange, and schedule, you can absolutely increase your milk supply at any stage of your pumping journey.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

  1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
  2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
  3. Dehydration.

How much breastmilk should a 3 month old have?

Research tells us that exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 25 oz (750ml) per day when they are 1 to 6 months old. A typical range of milk intake is 19oz to 30oz (570ml to 900ml) per day.

What is the 3 month milk crisis?

A growth spurt, also sometimes called a breastfeeding crisis, is a response by the baby to a clear increase in milk demand. Your baby will now ask to breastfeed at all times and may be nervous, irritable, and seemingly insatiable. Coincidentally, these demand increases occur around the same time for all babies.

Why am I only pumping 2 oz every 3 hours?

If you are exclusively pumping, you will likely see about 2-4 ounces from pumping every 2-3 hours. (that’s from both sides). Though many women may have double the output, these ranges are considered normal. That means your baby is designed to take in about 3-4 ounces every 2-3 hours.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment