How many times does a newborn actually feed in 24 hours?

Typically eight to twelve times in the first weeks, which works out to roughly every two to three hours including overnight. This feels relentless because it is, and it is normal rather than a sign of insufficient milk. Better indicators that feeding is going well: six or more wet nappies a day after the first week, regular stools, steady weight gain after the initial drop, and a baby who settles at least some of the time after feeds. Cluster feeding in the evenings is common and often misread as a supply problem when it is normal behaviour.