Understanding the Size of Your Baby’s Tummy and Your Milk Supply

When you start breastfeeding, it’s natural to worry about whether your baby is getting enough milk. A closer look at the size of your baby’s tummy in the early weeks can reassure you that your milk supply is perfectly designed to meet their needs.

The Size of Your Baby’s Tummy

1. At Birth
   1. Tummy Size: About the size of a cherry (5–7 ml capacity).
   1. Feeding Need: Newborns only require a small amount of colostrum, your first milk, which is nutrient-dense and perfect for their tiny stomach.
2. Day 3
   1. Tummy Size: About the size of a walnut (22–27 ml capacity).
   1. Feeding Need: Your milk supply begins to transition from colostrum to mature milk. Expect frequent feeds as your baby’s tummy adjusts to slightly larger amounts.
3. Day 5
   1. Tummy Size: About the size of an apricot (45–60 ml capacity).
   1. Feeding Need: Babies often experience cluster feeding at this stage to stimulate your supply and match their growing appetite.
4. One Week
   1. Tummy Size: About the size of a plum (60–81 ml capacity).
   1. Feeding Need: Breastfeeding on demand continues to help your baby grow and signals your body to produce the right amount of milk.
5. Four Weeks
   1. Tummy Size: About the size of an egg (80–150 ml capacity).
   1. Feeding Need: Your baby’s tummy can now hold more milk, but they’ll still feed frequently, as breast milk is digested quickly.

Why You Don’t Need to Panic About Your Milk Supply

1. Your Body Is Designed Perfectly

Breastfeeding operates on a basis of supply and demand. As your baby grows, regular feedings, particularly in the early days, tell your body to create more milk.

2. At First, Colostrum Is All They Need

Even in tiny amounts, your baby will receive all the nutrients and antibodies they require thanks to the small amounts of colostrum.

3. Frequent Feeds Are Normal

Babies feed often—not because you aren’t making enough milk, but because breast milk is digested quickly, and their stomachs are still small.

4. Cluster Feeding Helps Supply Match Demand

During growth spurts, babies may feed more often. This is their way of stimulating your body to produce more milk for their increased needs.

5. Weight Loss in the First Few Days Is Normal

Most newborns lose some weight in the first week of life. This is normal and expected, as long as they regain it within the first two weeks and reach their birth weight ideally by day 14-21.

Trust Your Body and Your Baby

Pay attention to feeding cues and nappy output If you’re concerned, seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional for reassurance and guidance.