IBCLC Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

A 1-week-old exclusively breastfed baby generally consumes between 300 to 500 ml of breast milk daily. During the first week of life, babies have small stomach capacities, and their feeding frequency is high since they require nourishment to support their growth and metabolism. The volume they consume increases gradually as they grow, but within the first week, reaching approximately 300 to 500 ml aligns with typical feeding expectations.

Breast milk production and consumption can vary depending on individual circumstances like the baby's weight, health status, and mother's milk supply. However, it is essential to understand that this range provides an average estimate based on many infants during this early stage.

This consumption includes several feedings throughout the day and night, as newborns tend to nurse frequently—this helps not only with hydration and nutrition but also with establishing the mother's milk supply. The maintenance of this feeding pattern is crucial for both the baby and the breastfeeding mother in these initial stages.