How often should a newborn feed?

Often, and rarely on a neat schedule. If it feels like you've only just finished a feed and the next one is starting, that's not a sign anything's wrong. It's just what the first few weeks are like.

What's normal in the first weeks

The NHS gives a rough guide of at least 8 to 12 feeds, or more, every 24 hours in the first few weeks. In the first few days it can be every hour. After a while feeds usually settle into fewer, longer sessions, but "after a while" is different for every baby.

Feeding on demand (the NHS calls it responsive feeding) is the way to go: feed when your baby seems hungry, for as long as they want. You can't overfeed a breastfed baby.

Spotting hunger before the crying

Babies usually show they're hungry well before they cry. Stirring, turning their head and rooting around, or bringing their hands to their mouth all come first. Crying is a late cue, so if you catch the early ones, feeds tend to start calmer.

Cluster feeding is normal

Some stretches, often in the evening, your baby will want feed after feed with barely a gap. It's called cluster feeding, it's common in the early weeks and during growth spurts, and it doesn't mean you're short of milk. It's tiring, but it passes.

When to ask for help

If your baby is hard to wake for feeds, seems to be feeding less than the rough guide above, has fewer wet nappies than you'd expect, or you're worried for any reason at all, speak to your midwife or health visitor. That's what they're there for, and no question is too small.

The NHS page on breastfeeding in the first few days is worth a read too.

Nappies are the other half of the "is feeding going well" picture. There's a guide on what's normal with nappies as well.