Freezing breast milk- what size portions for a 9wk old baby

[Samraves]

Hi there,

I have just started to freeze milk to build up a bit of a bank to give me a break from time to time. It is not particularly convenient as the only time to do this seems to be the middle of the night at 3 or 4 ish if she sleeps for 5hrs or so and may sleep another couple. So I feed her from one and can express from the other boob.

Currently I have managed about 2 1/2 to 3 oz and I think I could do more but worry that if I do and she wakes after an hour or so I won't have enough for her. Currently she seems to be happy for this size feed, but for how long? Since I am freezing to build up some credit, should I try to express more? Or perhaps express less and add two bags together as she wants more?

Why does everyone else do?

Thanks

I freeze smaller amounts and add two or three together as necessary. At 5mo DD was taking 9oz and there was no way I could do that in one go so 3 x 3oz did great. Means less wastage too.

I also used to freeze smaller amounts then at least you are not wasting any :)

Sorry also meant to say that it takes a shorter time to defrost. I found that when my daughter got bigger and I did a 4oz bag it took ages so learnt from my lesson.

i freeze 4-5 oz my ds is 6 weeks

Unlike formula, BF babies do not acutally consume more milk with age (from 6 weeks).

However, a lot BF babies will take more than they need when given a bottle. Often taking whatever they are offered, so you can choose how long their feed is

Ooh, so how do you know how much to give?
As I have no way of knowing how much she takes when she feeds from me?

And so freezing some small portions seems like a good idea then

The average is 750ml a day

physiologically their average need is 25oz a day (it's on kellymom) which is basically 1oz and hr. So if they feed every 3 hours, then 3oz (plus a bit more for good measure). Normal range is 19-30oz.

How much you give depends on what you want I guess. Most people give it at night time before bed, therefore giving a baby a larger bottle ~6oz can help the baby sleep for longer. If it's meals in the day then normal 3-5oz works well.

I find these links useful here and here to avoid problems with bottle feeding.

If it's the odd bottle here and there it's not really a issue if they have a greedy portion. If you're going back to work then it's becomes a important consideration.

I think what's most useful about knowing how little they need is it takes away the pressure to expressing huge amounts. We're used to seeing formula amounts which I used to find quite alarming.

I know! I have seen people out and about bottle feeding and cannot believe the amount of milk they give!!! It makes me feel as though surely I must be doing something wrong as my dd doesn't drink anywhere near that much!

Is it because they are following guidelines designed to encourage babies to drink more (cynical- then you'd buy more of their product) or is it because the milk is not tailored to babies so well? Or simply as it is easier for babies to drink more their bellys expand more?

Ok, so I think I may start trying to freeze mostly just over 3 oz portions but a few smaller ones too to add together or to the 3 oz ones if just before bed :-)

Thanks everyone, I am finding this very usefil

Yeah you got it right. BM changes with time whereas formula is the same (and so less efficient). As their calories needs go up, the only way to get this is by increasing consumption. To some degree FF babies are overfed, although it isn't acknowledged or accepted much. The obesity link with formula is more to do with the method rather the food itself though.

Our bodies are clever hey :)