4 hour EASY and amount of EBM to leave for sitter

[grantsmom]

I think my 14.5 week DS is about ready to transition to the 4 hr EASY. Do I just put an ounce more of EBM in the bottle for the sitter? I should I do a yield at 4 hours to see how much I produce? He currently takes 5 oz with the sitter.

[daisymelan]

I would rely more on him than your breasts to gauge how much to leave.  I would maybe try an extra two ounces to be on the safe side.

[grantsmom]

thanks!

[* Paula *]

I agree with Jodie,

I would put an extra few oz in the bottle just to be sure your lo has enough if he wants to take more per feed.

[grantsmom]

Currently, if I pump anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, I produce 4-5 ounces. First thing in the morning, I produce more (8-10 ounces). If I try to leave 7 ounces for the sitter, will my body start making more milk? I know I can use the extra milk from the morning or what I have frozen, but will I eventually have to suplement with formula?

[RachelC]

Do you exclusively express or do you breastfeed on weekends and when you are home?  If you always express, that can get tough, but if he is on the breast, that will help signal to your body to produce more.  You can also try pumping more frequently.

I find this interesting, from http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html

"The research tells us that exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 25 oz (750 mL) per day between the ages of 1 month and 6 months. Different babies take in different amounts of milk; a typical range of milk intakes is 19-30 oz per day (570-900 mL per day)."

[grantsmom]

I bf at night and on the weekends. What I find funny is that my babysitter tells me how hungry he can at before the 3 hour mark. When he is home with me on the weekends, he seems to easily be able to wait 4 hours. I can just imagine her reaction if I tell her to extend his feeds without giving her alot  more.