On day 1, pump 5–10 mL per feed; by day 7, 45–60 mL. From 2–4 weeks, aim for 700–900 mL across 8–12 sessions in 24 hours.
Newborns feed a lot, and pump volumes change fast in the first days. Tiny stomachs, frequent feeds, and the switch from colostrum to mature milk all shape what you’ll see. If you’re pumping for a brand-new baby, the goal is steady, bite-size gains across the first weeks, not big bottles on day one.
Two anchors guide the plan: feed or pump 8–12 times in 24 hours and match bottle size to baby’s age. That cadence protects supply and keeps intake gentle for a small belly. You can also skim the AAP guidance on newborn feeding for quick norms. Small steps add up every day.
How Much To Pump For A Newborn Per Day & Per Feed
Your early targets rise in steps. Start with drops, move to small sips, then build to ounces as milk comes in. The chart below sets practical ranges based on day of life and a pattern of 8–12 sessions per day.
| Age | Per Feed Target | Estimated Daily Total |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5–10 mL (0.2–0.3 oz) | 40–120 mL (1.3–4 oz) |
| Days 2–3 | 15–30 mL (0.5–1 oz) | 120–360 mL (4–12 oz) |
| Days 4–6 | 30–45 mL (1–1.5 oz) | 240–540 mL (8–18 oz) |
| Day 7 | 45–60 mL (1.5–2 oz) | 360–720 mL (12–24 oz) |
| Weeks 2–4 | 60–120 mL (2–4 oz) | 570–900 mL (19–30 oz) |
These ranges sit well with what baby can handle. On day 1 the belly is cherry-sized. By the end of week 1, it’s closer to an apricot, which fits those 45–60 mL feeds. During weeks 2–4, many babies settle near 570–900 mL per day split across 8–12 feeds.
Why The Numbers Start Small
Colostrum is thick and packed with bioactive goodies, so the volumes are tiny at first. Frequent sessions cue a strong supply while baby learns to coordinate suck, swallow, and breathe. Expect clusters, short gaps, and a few longer stretches at night. Wet diapers and steady weight tell you the plan is on track.
Pump Frequency And Session Length
Match a newborn’s rhythm: 8–12 sessions every 24 hours in the first weeks. If you’re pumping full-time, treat the pump as the baby. Space sessions about every 2–3 hours by day and no longer than one 4-hour stretch at night when milk is still ramping up.
Most parents do best with 15–20 minutes per session using a double, hands-on technique. Massage, light compressions, and a short “pump, pause, pump” pattern can help let-downs. If output dips, add a brief power-pumping block once a day for a few days.
Sample 24-Hour Pump Plan
- 06:00 — Pump
- 08:30 — Pump
- 11:00 — Pump
- 13:30 — Pump
- 16:00 — Pump
- 18:30 — Pump
- 21:00 — Pump
- 00:00 — Pump
- 02:30 — Pump
- 05:00 — Pump
Shift times to fit sleep and care needs. Keep the count near 8–12, and protect at least one session between 01:00–05:00 when prolactin peaks.
Bottle Sizes, Flow, And Pace
Use slow-flow nipples and small bottles. Early feeds last 10–20 minutes. Hold baby upright, keep the bottle level, and pause often so baby leads the pace. This lowers gulping, reduces spit-up, and matches the feel of nursing at the breast.
To portion bottles for a newborn, start small. Send or store 30–60 mL (1–2 oz) bottles for the first week, then 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) as you approach the one-month mark. Pack extra 30 mL (1 oz) add-ons so someone can top up if baby signals more.
Hitting Daily Volume Targets
If you’re pumping full-time, a common goal by days 7–10 is about 750–800 mL per day split across your sessions. Many reach that window a bit before or after, and that’s fine. Keep the session count high and avoid long gaps while supply is settling.
If you’re mixing direct nursing and pumping, outputs per session will look smaller. That’s expected because baby already took a portion at the breast. For these mixed days, track the number of feeds, diaper counts, and weight checks instead of chasing a bottle number.
Reading Baby’s Cues
Hunger signs pop up early: stirring, hand-to-mouth, rooting, tongue flicks. Crying comes later. Offer the bottle or start a pump when you see those early signs. Fullness cues include slower sucking, relaxed hands, milk pooling in the mouth, and turning away. End the feed when you see those signs, even if a little milk remains.
Some days bring clusters, then a long nap. Other days look even. Both patterns are normal for the first month. Your plan works if diapers are wet, stools are frequent after day 4, and weight checks move up.
Planning For Work Or Classes
If you’ll be away, pump about every 3 hours while you’re gone. Send milk in small portions that match baby’s usual feed size for that time of day. Plan one bottle per 3-hour block, with a spare 30 mL (1 oz) or two.
Build a modest stash ahead of time by adding one extra pump on days when you feel comfortable. Freeze in small portions so nothing goes to waste. Rotate stock by using the oldest first.
Portioning And Labeling Tips
Label each container with the date and volume. If milk is for child care, add your baby’s name. Chill freshly pumped milk before combining it with cold milk. Freeze flat in 30–60 mL (1–2 oz) portions for easy thawing and to avoid waste.
To thaw, move frozen milk to the fridge the night before or hold the bag under cool then warm running water. Once thawed in the fridge, use within 24 hours. Don’t refreeze thawed milk.
Smart Ways To Build Supply
Start pumping soon after birth if baby isn’t nursing yet. Aim for the 8–12 rhythm and include the overnight window. Use hands with the pump, drink to thirst, and eat to appetite. Many find a brief daily power-pumping block useful while supply is still rising.
If you’re still under your daily target by the end of week 2, check the two levers you can control: session count and fit. Add a session, shorten gaps, or test a different flange size. Small tweaks often add up over a few days.
Storage And Warming Basics
Safe storage keeps every ounce usable. Label each container with the date, cool fresh milk before adding it to chilled milk, and store milk toward the back of the fridge or freezer. See the CDC breast milk storage guidelines for details.
| Where | Storage Temperature | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | ≤ 25 °C / 77 °F | Up to 4 hours |
| Refrigerator | ≤ 4 °C / 40 °F | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | −18 °C / 0 °F or colder | Best by 6 months; up to 12 months acceptable |
Warm milk in a bowl of warm water or a bottle warmer. Swirl to mix the cream layer back in. Skip the microwave.
Troubleshooting Pumped Volumes
Output Feels Low
Low numbers are common in the first days. Colostrum is measured in milliliters, not ounces. Stick with frequent sessions, add hand expression for a few minutes after each pump, and do skin-to-skin time when you can. Check flange fit; a smaller or larger size can ease tenderness and improve flow.
Engorgement Or Leaking Between Sessions
Soften the areola with a brief warm compress and light massage before pumping. If you’re uncomfortably full, add a brief extra session or split one long gap.
Baby Seems Gassy Or Spits Up With Bottles
Slow the flow and use paced feeds. Keep baby more upright, start with smaller volumes, and build only if baby signals hunger soon after. Burp mid-feed and at the end.
How To Measure Progress
Daily diaper counts and steady weight gain paint the clearest picture. By day 4, many babies pass three or more stools a day and soak five or more diapers. As output rises, weights climb. A scale check during routine visits confirms growth.
A simple log helps: jot session times, volumes, and any bottle sizes baby finishes with ease. Note comfort signs too, like soft breasts after a pump and no nipple pain.
When To Call For Help
Reach out to your baby’s clinician right away for poor weight gain, fewer than six wet diapers by day 5, yellow crystals in the diaper, the same sleepy look all day, or signs of dehydration. Call sooner if something doesn’t feel right.
A lactation specialist can fine-tune your plan, check pump fit, and watch a bottle feed for pace and latch. Many hospitals and local groups list phone and video options.
Quick Math For Bottles
Once baby is 2–4 weeks old, daily intake often lands between 570–900 mL. To size a bottle, divide your daily number by the session count. If you’re planning 10 feeds and your daily intake is 750 mL, most bottles will land near 75 mL (2.5 oz). Keep 30 mL (1 oz) add-ons handy.
Takeaways You Can Use Today
- Keep 8–12 sessions in each 24-hour window for the first weeks.
- Size bottles to age: 5–10 mL on day 1, rising to 45–60 mL by day 7.
- By 2–4 weeks, plan on 570–900 mL per day split into small, steady feeds.
- Use slow-flow nipples and paced feeds to match baby’s pace.
- Follow the CDC chart to store, label, cool, and warm pumped milk safely.