Minimum Amount of Breastmilk?

kateshaw99

So my supply has gone down significantly since I started back to work about 3 weeks ago. I am wondering if any of you know how much breastmilk a baby (3months, 1 week old) needs to actually benefit from it? I have always had a supply issue, and I have SOME frozen milk, but I am just trying to figure out if it is a waste to keep trying to pump (I might get 8-12 oz during the day, and then she BF's once in the evening and one MOTN feeding). She probably gets about 12- 15oz of BM a day... sometimes more, and sometimes less.

TIA!!!

Mrs.G123

Any amount of BM is beneficial, especially during flu season. Sounds like you are doing great!

iadanza

Mrs.G123:

Any amount of BM is beneficial, especially during flu season. Sounds like you are doing great!

^^WSS.  Also, every baby eats different amounts so what might be normal for your child would be different for mine, etc.  I think you just need to ask yourself if the benefits of pumping are worth the amount of time you are putting into it in comparison to what you are getting.

Ken&Anna

Like PP said, any amount of breastmilk they get is beneficial.  But to me it doesn't sound like she's not getting enough.  I EBF my DD--during the week I pump 5 times a day and feed her another 2-3 times a day, and on the weekends we EBF.  The amount of milk you get when pumping is not indicative of how much milk baby is actually drinking because the baby is much more efficient at draining your breasts than the pump is.  I only get about 12 oz. from pumping during the day but with the breastfeeding she does the rest of the day, she's probably getting plenty.  I would say the same is probably true of your DD.

How is her weight?  Her wet and poopy diapers?  Those are a better indication of whether she's getting enough milk than how much you pump.

Hope that helps!   

kateshaw99

Thank you!

She seems like she is gaining weight just fine (nice and pudgy!) and she has wet diapers every second of every day! We can't keep them dry... poops on the other hand are maybe one every day or every other day... She is inconsistent there.

Thank you for your help/insight!! I think I will keep going... I was just feeling like it wasn't enough!

Ken&Anna

With BF babies, some poop every day, some poop once a week.  There's a really big range of what's normal.  I would say unless the doctor is concerned about her weight gain, she's probably getting plenty of milk from you! 

Keep up the good work! 

LSUnoelle1220

That's all my LO gets and sometimes less. Sounds like you are doing good to me. Just keep it up. And even if you have to supplement with formula or switch all together know you did your best and provided him a great start. 

Newbostonmomma

I have had supply issues from the begining (including I only produce milk from one breast) so I have always had to supplement with formula.  since returning to work supplement even more.  Even though I only manange to pump 6 oz a day and BF before going to work, and MOTN feeds I feel like any amount of BF he gets is better than nothing.  right?

PixelPosy

I agree, the range you are getting is about what I get. I send 3, 4oz bottles at this point and a 2 oz snack.I have to pump after bed to round things out, and on the weekends to set up a surplus for the week. My DC feeds on demand so her take in amount has varied from 8 to15 ozs (I send some frozen milk as back up)

As PP have said, amounts vary per baby and as long as the wet diapers keep happening and weight gain is good, you're right on track mama. No need to stress.Whether it's worth it to you, is a very personal choice.  

tevagirl

I have no problem EBF, but throw in the pump and I really struggle.  I get about 2 ounces when I pump - lots of times less.  I pump 4-5 times a day to get the 8 ounces she drinks while I am at work.  I agree with PP that no matter how much BM baby gets it's beneficial.  You're doing great!

amberthehobbit

How often are you pumping? Was getting about that with 5 pumping sessions. I've started taking supplements and am getting about that in 3 sessions now.

kateshaw99

Thanks girls : I feel sooooo much better! She must be getting enough, and I definitely want her to keep getting it if its possible : I usually get the 812 oz in 2 or maybe 3 sessions, and I can't do it to long at work, which is why I didn't think it was enough. Sounds like we are doing ok though : thank you all for your help/insight!!