Answer from Lactation Consultant (Part 2)

[Super_sally888]

here's the rest of the answer and contact details.


Here is how much the baby needs for missed breastfeeding session:

Before babies weigh about 10 pounds (4.5 kgs), while they are still in the early days and weeks, and especially if they are catching up with growth, they may take 2.5 ounces (75 mls) of milk per pound of body weight per day. After babies are about 10 lbs (4.5 kgs)., until they begin solids, they need about 19 to 30 oz. (570-900 mls), according to research by Dr. Peter Hartmann. This amount does not increase or decrease much, and is fairly consistent from mother to mother, with a small margin of difference. Babies’ growth rates slow a bit after the first several months, and they have a more efficient metabolism. This is why they continue to need about 19-30 ounces or 570-900 mls of milk per day until they start solids, regardless of their weight. Split into 8 feedings, this is about 3-4 oz (90-120 mls) of milk per feeding.

Babies will often take more milk out of a bottle, but this is because they are trying to satisfy needs for food and sucking. Even when they are sucking only for comfort they cannot help but consume milk while feeding from a bottle. Some ways to slow down the amount that the baby is consuming out of a bottle are to use slow-flow nipples, pace the feedings (so that feedings take longer), hold the bottle more horizontally, and use methods of comforting the baby other than food. Examples are these are rocking and walking with the baby, carrying the baby in a sling or other carrier, etc…

I hope that this helps you out. Please write again if you have more questions.

Sincerely,
Mary Bibb, BA, IBCLC
Mail to: ***@****
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Independent Consultant, Medela, Inc.
McHenry, Illinois, USA
1 800 435-8316
http://www.medela.com
BNN Breastfeeding National Network 1 800 TELL YOU

This note is informational only, and is not a substitute for personal
professional medical attention from your doctor. Please check with your
physician for specific information and recommendations, or if you have
concerns about the health of yourself or your child.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

The LC also said that it's ok if they get air. It's not problem, and contrary to what most parents think is not harmful to the baby.  As long as you burb them afterwards any excess air will come up.

Also can stop them half way during the feed and burp them too, if you are concerned.

S

[SolusChristus]

That was SO helpful, thank you for posting it!!

One question...when she says to slow down the feeding by holding the bottle horizontally, won't the baby suck in air, and isn't that bad for it?

I bought all slow flow nipples, but the milk still pours out of them when I hold the bottle upside down...I don't know why in the world they don't make nipples more like boobies!

I am breastfeeding primarily, and pumping a little throughout the day to make a bottle that daddy gives her for dinner...I think it's really good for my husband to feed her occasionally, it really seems to help them bond.
I was glad to read that pumping gets easier over time, because right now I only get like an ounce each time I pump, it is very frustrating!
Thanks again for the info!