How much breastmilk is "enough"?

AvaLikeLava · June 2011

I'm not sure if this is AF knocking, but my supply has really taken a dive in the last two weeks. I'm going to give it through the end of this week to make a decision on what to do next.

Ultimately I'm trying to figure out if I should start on the meds & supplements, or just go the formula route. Unlike G, S2 actually will take formula, and I supplement him now with one bottle daily.

I'm on board with the health benefits of breastmilk, so it comes down to a "is there a minimum amount threshold before it's not worth-while"?

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of nursing. I'm envious of the women who feel a bond with their children through that process. I don't & never did. So if I take the meds, it's to keep the health benefits of lactation/breastfeeding in tact, not because I'm solidifying our nursing relationship.

So ... is 15oz BM a day enough b/w nursing/bottles? Then the rest to be formula/solids?

ladipale · June 2011

I think 15 oz/day is plenty for the health benefits!

I'm starting to think about transitioning to less nursing as we approach 6 months. Ellie hasn't had a drop of formula yet, but pumping 4 times a day (including once just before bed) is really starting to wear me down.

kala1682 · June 2011

I'm curious the replies you get cause I am having the same problem. Luckily I still have a little bit of a freezer stash, but the way its going its not going to last long.

SJBride05 · June 2011

I'm noticing a drop too, but I KNOW it's from AF.

I would think 15oz is plenty to get the benefits from. D gets 15ozs (3 bottles) while I'm at work and that's almost half of his daily feedings.

futrkingsley · June 2011

You are the only person who can answer that question I think.

For me? I've kept lactating for what I can presume is much less. I do have that bond with my child and enjoy the experience of it (not the actual physical sensation, but the whole soothing process) and my kid is super attached to it.

I continued though not just for the health benefits directly. Yes, immunological benefits are great in theory but only if you have good stuff to pass on and I'm assuming I don't since DS got sick a ton. When he does get sick though, nursing sees him through to the other side like nothing else. It's amazing. And as you noted on FB, he made it to almost three without one single ear infection.

But you have to do what works for you and your LO. Aside from how much you are or aren't making and whether he'll take formula, how will you feel about nursing G and S for different periods of time?

Celyn · June 2011

Any amount will carry antibodies and give those kinds of health benefits. It's my understanding that any amount of lactation will also continue to carry the health benefit to you of lowering your risk of breast cancer and the like.

AvaLikeLava · June 2011

Cool! I certainly wasn't planning on doing anything LESS than I'm doing today. I just wanted to know if I should start taking the meds again 3x/day vs. just turning to formula.

Thanx!