how much to give in bottle?

stephmt528 · November 2010

We've just started giving DD a bottle of pumped milk once every couple of days.

The first time I only put an ounce in because I didn't want to waste the milk if she wasn't going to take the bottle. After quite a fight she drank it.

Today we tried again and I put 2.25 oz in the bottle. She ate like a champ, but was obviously still hungry. So, I nursed her on one side following her drinking the bottle. But she was still not satisfied.

I read the kellymom site and used the calculator and it says she should be getting between 2.7 to 4.3 oz, averaging 3.6...

She won't take a pacifier but tonight she was honestly still hungry and wasn't just comfort nursing.

Any help would be appreciated...I feel like 2.25 plus 10-15 minutes on one side certainly equals what is recommended. I'm concerned I won't be able to keep up with pumping enough if she's taking more than 4-5 oz per feeding once I go back to work.

KRB8 · November 2010

I found that website to be off for my DD. She still won't take much more than 4 ounces per bottle. You should be able to keep up with DD because she's pulling enough from you right now. So you should be able to maintain that level even with returning to work. I returned to work which has actually caused me to have an over supply. I wouldn't worry about your supply decreasing. I pump twice while at work and then nurse DD when I get home.

MBandBud · November 2010

This might really be a guessing game. Sometimes DD may be hungrier than others. Esp at this stage. We started low and then we would heat more as needed. It wasn't easy but to your point you don't want to waste any. I will say that although not recommended we have refridgerated bm and then reheated for the next feeding. I had read in a few places that there was conflicting evidence as to what is 'lost' in the cooling/heating process. Also, bm can stay out at room temperature for a few hours, so we also have used for the next feeding, esp that early when she was eating every 1 1/2 hours. I will say as time went on DD started rejecting the boob b/c the bottle was easier so I had little success offering the breast just after a bottle. GL to you! I wouldn't worry about work, you'll figure out what works for you at that time and you will get into a rhythm. For now enjoy your time with your little one.