Newborn stomachs don’t stretch. Researchers found that on day 1 a newborn’s stomach wall is firm and doesn’t stretch. By day 3 the stomach starts to expand more easily to hold more milk. Interestingly, days 3-5 is when the milk volume starts to increase for most new mothers.

The capacity of your baby’s tummy is influenced by its birth weight, however, the differences are not substantial.

• Day 1: Your baby’s stomach is the size of a cherry. It can hold 5-7ml at a time. You will produce about 37ml (1oz) of colostrum in the first 24 hours and this is all your baby needs.
• Day 3: Your baby’s stomach is the size of a walnut. It can hold 22-27ml at a time.
• 1 week: Your baby’s stomach is the size of an apricot. It can hold 45-60ml at a time. At around 1 week, your baby will start to gain back the lost weight.
• 1 month: Your baby’s stomach is the size of an egg. It can hold 80-150ml at a time. Research tells us that breastmilk intake is quite constant after the first month and does not increase much with age or weight.

 A newborn baby feeds anywhere from 8-12+ times in 24 hours, which means they are feeding every 3-4 hours.

Frequent feedings are also essential to build up your milk supply. Feed on demand, don’t watch the clock.

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