Should I increase # of oz. in DC bottles?

cgregory81 · July 2013

My DS is currently taking three 4oz bottles of breast milk while he's at daycare. He's eating every 3 hours. Today, the daycare provider said she thinks he could take 6oz bottles now. That seems like a lot to me, but I'm a FTM, so maybe I'm wrong. I'm pumping 3x a day (every 3 hours) while at work and getting 14oz total for the day, so I couldn't cover 6oz bottles and I guess I'd either need to up my supply somehow or supplement with formula.

Anyway, what do you all think?

cgregory81 · July 2013

I actually don't think it's that he's fussy at all, but rather that he drinks his bottles very quickly. He's always been a quick nurser though, too, so I imagine he's just a quick eater overall. I guess without being fussy acting hungry, I don't feel like more ounces are warranted, but I needed to hear it from others with more experience.

==N== · July 2013

theresat858:
Daycare should slow down the feeding of his bottles, if possible, so he knows he's full before he finishes it. Kellymom has some tips on how to do so.

This. My dd is almost 7 months and taking 4 oz bottles at dc. My lc said if I'm pumping 4 oz bottles that's probably all she'll ever need.

Maybe your dcp just doesn't know a lot about breast fed babies. We looked at 1 dc and the lady didn't understand that I wouldn't supplement with formula while there. She said shed never had anyone ever send breast milk before.

SummerOH · July 2013

I agree with PPs. Many DCs are used to FF babies, who generally take more ounces than BF babies. DS has been getting 4-5 oz bottles since 3 months and he's never seemed unsatisfied. He gets what I pump the day before. Usually it's 1 5oz bottle and 2 4oz ones. 14oz split between 3 bottles seems like a good amount.

meganandchase · July 2013

Maybe you can try pumping and bottle feeding one weekend to get an idea of whether or not you think he needs more. I disagree that no baby needs more than 4 oz at a time. Both of mine ate more than that (although not at 3 months!). Neither are overweight. Another thing you can try is just sending one 6 oz bottle, and leave the rest at 4. If you have been pumping 14oz/day and only sending 12 oz, you must have a decent freezer stash that will sustain you until your supply catches up.

jnnfrrose6 · July 2013

My DC tried to tell me the same thing a few months back. I told them I'd do my best, but my son gets whatever I pump from the day before. After that, I pretty much ignored them the next 2 times they mentioned it and then they stopped. As long as he's getting enough outside of daycare to cover the recommended amounts in a day, you're good.