How much colostrum do you need a day?

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

A newborn's stomach is only about the size of a marble, which is why they only need a few teaspoons of the nutrient-dense first milk, known as colostrum, in the first 24 hours. The question of how much colostrum do you need a day is a common concern for new parents, and the answer is surprisingly little, but every drop is invaluable for your baby's health and immunity.

Quick Summary

The amount of colostrum a newborn needs is minimal, typically starting at just a few milliliters per feeding and gradually increasing over the first few days as the baby's stomach expands. This concentrated first milk, rich in antibodies and nutrients, provides everything the baby needs for initial nourishment and immune support.

Key Points

Small Volume, High Potency: A newborn's stomach is tiny, so only a few teaspoons of concentrated colostrum are needed per day.
Frequent Feedings: A newborn should be fed frequently, about 8-12 times every 24 hours, to meet their needs and stimulate milk production.
Hand Expression is Key: For antenatal harvesting or if the baby struggles to latch, hand expression is often more effective than a pump for collecting thick colostrum.
Signs of Sufficient Intake: Instead of volume, monitor for contentment after feeding and appropriate diaper output to know your baby is getting enough.
Supplements are Different: Bovine colostrum supplements for adults are not a substitute for human colostrum for newborns and serve different health purposes.
Don't Be Discouraged: Producing small quantities is normal and does not indicate an issue with your overall milk supply.

Understanding the Small, Powerful Amounts of Colostrum

For a new parent, the small quantities of colostrum can be alarming, but it's a perfect design. Colostrum is a highly concentrated, thick, and sticky substance, often yellow or orange, that provides intense nutrition and powerful immune benefits. The infant's tiny stomach is not yet ready for large volumes, and the small, frequent feedings of colostrum are perfectly tailored to their needs. Over time, as your baby grows, your body will transition to producing mature milk, and their stomach will expand to handle the increased volume.

Newborn Needs During the First Few Days

Day 1: A newborn’s stomach is about the size of a marble, and they only require 2 to 10 milliliters (mL) per feeding. This often totals around one ounce (approximately 30 mL) over a 24-hour period. Frequent feedings, every 1-3 hours, are normal and encouraged.
Day 2: The baby's stomach capacity grows slightly, and milk intake increases to 5 to 15 mL per feeding.
Day 3: Intake increases further to around 15 to 30 mL per feeding.
Day 4: By now, the baby may consume 30 to 60 mL per feeding as your mature milk begins to come in.

The Importance of Frequent Feeding

The small amounts of colostrum produced are not a reflection of your future milk supply. Instead, the small volume is a deliberate part of nature's plan. Frequent feedings in the first few days are crucial for two main reasons: they ensure your baby receives the concentrated nutrients and antibodies they need, and they signal to your body to increase milk production for the coming weeks. Consistent nursing or expressing, roughly 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period, is the best way to establish and maintain a strong milk supply.

What to Know About Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting

For some mothers, especially those with certain health conditions, harvesting colostrum before the baby's birth can be beneficial. It's typically recommended to start around 36-37 weeks of pregnancy and only after consulting a healthcare provider. Hand expression is the preferred method, as the thick colostrum can be difficult for a pump to collect.

Comparison of Human Colostrum vs. Bovine Colostrum Supplements


Feature	Human Colostrum (For Newborns)	Bovine Colostrum Supplements (For Adults/Children)
Source	Produced by the lactating mother.	Derived from cows after calving.
Purpose	Specifically tailored to the newborn's needs, providing initial nutrition and immune support.	Used as a dietary supplement for immune support and gut health.
Dosage (Newborn)	Naturally consumed in tiny, frequent amounts (teaspoons).	N/A
Dosage (Adult Supplement)	N/A	Typically 10-60 grams daily, depending on the product and goal.
Composition	High in antibodies (sIgA), protein, and growth factors.	High in antibodies (IgA, IgG) and other growth factors, but standardized doses can vary.
Recipient	The newborn infant.	Adults, athletes, and older children.

Potential Complications and Considerations

If you are worried about your baby receiving enough colostrum, watch for feeding cues and signs of contentment after nursing. The number of wet and dirty diapers is a key indicator of adequate intake. In cases where the baby is premature, has blood sugar issues, or other concerns, a healthcare provider might recommend supplementation. However, for most healthy newborns, the small amounts of colostrum produced are more than enough. Remember, hand expression is a key skill to practice if your baby has trouble latching initially.

Conclusion: Every Drop Counts

The final answer to how much colostrum do you need a day is not a fixed quantity but a testament to its potency. A newborn requires only small, but frequent, feedings of this 'liquid gold' to get the concentrated nutrition and immune-boosting benefits it needs for a healthy start. The small volume is perfectly matched to their tiny stomach, and any amount you produce, no matter how little it seems, is incredibly valuable. Focusing on frequent, responsive feeding is the most effective way to ensure your baby gets what they need and to support your body's natural transition to mature milk production. For more detailed guidance, the American Pregnancy Association offers helpful information on newborn feeding patterns and colostrum's benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A newborn typically consumes a total of about 30 milliliters (one ounce) of colostrum over the first 24 hours, spread across numerous small feedings.

No, producing small amounts of colostrum is normal and not an indicator of low milk supply. Colostrum is highly concentrated, and the small volume perfectly suits the newborn's tiny stomach.

You should feed your newborn colostrum frequently and on demand, which is typically 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. This responsive feeding helps establish your milk supply.

While it's possible to pump, hand expression is often more effective for collecting colostrum due to its thick consistency. A pump is generally more useful once your mature milk comes in.

Human colostrum is biologically tailored for a human newborn, while bovine colostrum is a supplement derived from cows. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

Colostrum production typically lasts for several days after birth, transitioning to mature milk production around day 2 to 5 postpartum, as your breasts feel fuller.

Don't be discouraged if you can't express colostrum before birth; it is not a predictor of your milk supply. Many women don't produce any before delivery but have a full milk supply later.