To those who formula feed or supplement

D&D4Ever7

I am mostly breastfeeding, but do give DS one bottle of formula so that I could introduce a bottle early on (I don't have time to pump my own milk since he is eating really frequently).  During the day, he eats every 2hrs at least and at night, he gives us one 4hr stretch.  Around 10am, I give him 2 oz of formula when he is acting like he is hungry. 

Since his belly is growing and he can hold more food, should I be increasing this 2oz to more.  My pedi said let him decide.  I think if I gave him 4 oz, he may just drink it all.  On the breastfeeding board, I learned about overfeeding babies.  I want to make sure he is getting enough, but don't want to overfeed him.  When you give a bottle, how do you decide how much to increase and when to increase the amount of formula?

TIA

Ernie52408

We increase when he starts consistently downing the bottle and is still fussy. Sometimes you will just need to temporarily increase intake for a growth spurt or hungry day.

 

tew213

I pump and supplement with formula (latch & supply issues). I give her what I pump then offer her formula until she is full and refuses it. Our pedi told us to burp her after about every ounce and take pauses towards the end to give her time to realize shes full. This helps to prevent the spit up too. Most feedings she takes between 4 and 5ozs - and she eats every 3-4 hours and longer (5-6 hrs) at night (most of the time).

samm1983

I think it depends on the baby.  DS takes about 4 oz. (BM) from the bottle if we give him one.  Yesterday he was still hungry after a bottle, so I gave him another oz.  If he is acting hungry, just see if he wants more.  GL!

magdalina.h

My pedi said that if he finishes the bottle that I need to give him more. Basically we should offer more than what he eats. So if you give him 2 oz I would give 2.5oz.