How often should a breastfeeding newborn typically be fed?

Breastfeeding newborns typically have a high demand for nutrition, and their feeding frequency reflects this need. It is generally recommended that newborns be fed 8 to 12 times per day, especially in the early weeks of life. This frequent feeding schedule supports their rapid growth and development, ensures adequate hydration, and helps establish a good milk supply for the breastfeeding mother.

Newborns have small stomachs, which cannot hold much milk at one time, leading them to feed more frequently, usually every 2 to 3 hours. This regular feeding pattern also aids in stimulating the mother's milk production through demand. Their feeding may vary somewhat based on individual needs, but the guideline of 8 to 12 times daily stands as a standard to ensure that newborns receive the necessary nutrients and energy for healthy growth during the critical early life stages.