BFing Moms...sorry if this is long and random

kzel0627

Lately I've been wondering if DS (almost 7 months) is getting enough breastmilk when he eats. He eats every 3 hrs so he usually eats a total of 6 times a day (depending on how his naps are, what time he gets up in the morning, etc.). I substitute teach a day or so a week so I do pump while I'm there and I usually pump one side first thing in the morning (otherwise DS spits up if he eats on both sides cause he gets too much). When I pump, I try to keep with the every 3 hours hoping DS keeps the same schedule while with the sitter. The last time I worked and pumped, I got 4.5 oz.....I usually feel like I don't get as much when I pump as DS gets when he eats. DH gave DS a bottle the other day while I was out and it was 4.5 oz and he said DS was fine after, not fussy like he wanted more. He also gets 2 oz of solids twice a day (mid morning and in the evening). He usually sleeps through the night so it makes it seem to me like he's eating enough. I guess my overall questions are how much should DS be eating if he gets a bottle of breastmilk? When should he be getting more? And how can I be sure that he's getting enough since I don't think how much I pump is accurate of what he actually gets when he BFs? TIA!

Also, DS is about 18 lbs and probably 27" long.

babyAutumn

DS feeds about every 2.5-3 hours during the day and every 4-4.5 hours at night.  As long as his output is good, I wouldn't worry about it.  When I pump, I can extract roughly about 3 oz.  Since BF consultant once told me they usually extract 1.5 times what we can pump, I figure he is taking about 4.5 oz a feed.  When he gets a bottle of BM, it usually has 5 oz and he doesn't finish it all.  Hope this helps.

Purplehayzes

My DS gets about 5 oz, when she gets a bottle.  Sometimes she might leave 0.5 to 1 oz in it.  If you're worried about not pumping out as much as you think your LO normally gets nursing, maybe try waiting an hour or so longer before pumping.  I find if I wait a while after a normal feeding time to pump, I get more.  Also, it seems like your LO is a healthy weight, so I won't worry too much.

CurbsideProphet

I think it sounds like he is getting enough. I would only be concerned if he was not having enough wet diapers. DD typically gets 3.5 - 4 oz per bottle. Kellymom has a calculator if you want to try and figure out an amount in more detail.

hscherme

I sometimes have these same concerns too, I have an 8 1/2 mo old and pump twice a week when i have have to work. They say the pump only gives you 60% though, looks like your baby is thriving which is a great indicator they're getting enough! I have a question though-my baby and I get plenty of sleep-sometimes too much, but I always feel tired. Is this normal with breastfeeding, I drink coffe to try and help but I hate feeling sleepy. 

kzel0627

HScherme: you may want to talk to your dr about a possible vitamin d deficiency. A friend of mine who has a baby had one and took vitamin d supplements and she said it helped a lot. Also, the fact that you sometimes get too much sleep may also be contributing to your tiredness.

 Thanks everyone for your input! Your thoughts helped put me at ease...I took DS to the pedi yesterday...he's in the 75th percentile for length and between the 25th and 50th for weight! She feels he's doing really well!!!