How often should a newborn breastfeed?

What the evidence says

Canadian guidance describes newborns as needing frequent feeds, and it's completely normal for babies to cluster feed (feed very often for a stretch) in the evening or every few weeks during growth spurts, rather than following a strict clock schedule.

This matches WHO and US guidelines: most babies need to breastfeed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours in the early months, feeding whenever they show hunger cues (rooting, hand-to-mouth, fussing) rather than waiting for crying, which is a late hunger sign.

How long and how often a baby feeds can vary a lot session to session and baby to baby - some feeds are quick, others long, and that's normal. Newborns should not go much longer than about 2 to 3 hours between daytime feeds without being offered the breast, and health guidance recommends waking a sleepy newborn to feed if they're going too long, especially in the first couple of weeks.

Good signs your baby is feeding enough include steady weight gain, plenty of wet and dirty diapers, and your baby seeming content after feeds. If you're worried about frequency, output, or your milk supply, a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor can help.