how much breastmilk is required a day to benefit baby?

[ollybolly]

Hi,
I am sure I once saw a programme where Tracy mentioned how much breastmilk is needed a day to benefit baby and I wondered if anyone knew or could point me in the right direction please?
My second son is 6 weeks old and thriving well. However, I am run down and fighting a virus, so I am considering reducing the number of breastmilk feeds and supplementing with formula in order to aid my recovery.  I am trying not to worry or feel guilty about not breastfeeding exclusively for longer and wondered if there was any information about a 'minimum' amount of breastmilk per day which is required in order to benefit baby? Any pointers much appreciated, thanks.

[notenoughshelfspace]

You might not beleive me but the actual amount needed is only three ounces a day. If you are unwell go ahead, supplement with formula but do be aware that his will lessen your milk supply.

[ollybolly]

Thanks very much for your reply - good news fo rme then!

[GraceKellysmom]

Can any research info be provided to the "3 ounces per day" comment?

To the original poster: Just know that whatever formula you provide will affect your supply, and you may or may not be able to go back to exclusively nursing. So proceed with your original goal in mind. How long were you hoping to nurse this ds?

[notenoughshelfspace]

'3 ounces' a day comment came from my doctor. I went to see him when my milk supply was drying up and I was devastated. He told me that in terms of nutrition nothing beats breast milk; less chance of constipation, taste changes constantly thus easier to put onto solids later, always well balanced etc... In terms of antibodies; three ounces is what you need.

[ollybolly]

Hi there,
Not sure how long I will nurse ds2 for. I was pretty flexible with ds1 - full breastfeeding until 3 months and then 2 feeds a day until 5 months. Ds2 is a big bouncing boy who so far has been flexible about boob or bottle, so hopefully I can see how the next two weeks go and then decide whether I want to go back to full nursing again.
Although, I have a feeling that the quicker bottle feeds in the daytime may be of benefit to ds1 too, as so far he has been very patient while I am breast feeding, but I am sure this may run out! I remember with ds1 quite enjoying doing the 7am and 7pm feeds on the boob and it was pleasant quiet time, so hopefully I can do the same with ds2 for a while yet (although with ds1 around, this time is not so quiet!) I must admit that while so far both boys have been very good (textbook / angels both) it feels strange to be considering choices not just because they are best for baby, but because they are best for the whole family - but I guess there will be a lot more of that to come! So overall, even if it is not possible to go back to full nursing, right now dropping a couple of feeds still feels like the right move to make.
Re: doctors input, that sounds about right from what I remember Tracy saying, I just was not quite sure. Thanks

[annamum]

That's true that any amount of breastmilk is better than none. That's where 3 oz probably comes from. It gives a baby some immunity but 3 oz sounds like one feeding per day. It can't count as substantial amount towards baby's nutritional needs. If you want only that, you can easily end up drying up pretty soon as such fast feed dropping will send a message to your body to stop producing milk. As long as you know what can happen and make an informed decision, all is fine.

It is OK if you think that this is the best for your family and I know that while having a toddler, it is not easy to care for a newborn. However, I am always trying to encourage breastfeeding  as much as possible because it is so good for your baby. Your baby will very soon start nursing more efficiently and instead of taking 40 minutes to feed, he will be more likely done in 5-10 minutes. My dd went at 7 weeks from feeding 20 minutes to 5 minutes only and since then she was always like that. So these long feeds may be over pretty soon.

[GraceKellysmom]

Mine were/are 17 months apart and I can't imagine if #2 had been bottlefed. Breastfeeding was so easy - and I am soooo lazy!  :oops:  I agree with Annamum that it does get much easier and quicker. #1 had to learn that life wasn't about just her anymore, and my nursing and attending to #2 has given her patience. (yes, even when she was 17 months old) I also have a day care baby that has gotten bottles, and I've pumped during nursing strikes, so I know how much work that can be!

KwYm about making decisions for the family. Although they're only tiny babies for such a short time.  :wink: