How do you know how much to feed?

[nikinoki]

Hello,

I am feeding my 5 week old breast and bottle. Usually 20 mins on the boob and then 2-3oz of formula. It's a long story but couldn't breast feed exclusively. My question is- how do I know I'm feeding enough. At the moment it's 8 feeds in 24 hours so about 22-24 ounces of formula and then breast on top. I've read it should be about 2.5 per pound of baby weight. Does anyone have an idea? Also how can I reduce the number of feeds or should I just keep going for now with 8? Thanks- am fretting quite heavily! Niki Noki x

niki, is your HV able to help with this?

The rule of thumb for a fully ff baby is indeed 2.5 oz per pound, but of course some babies need more and some less....and in your own case your baby is having breastmilk as well.

If your baby is now gaining weight then this is a good guide you are feeding sufficiently.

However, if you are wanting to maintain breastfeeding, then you will need to have a plan, because 2-3 oz of formula each time is a lot. There is not much room for breastmilk there - and 8 feeds a day is not very often for a breastfed baby. Not sure why you would want to reduce the number of feeds? Most bf babies of 5 weeks have more feeds than this.

It's often difficult when bf has not gone well - it can really undermine your confidence :(

Hi tiktok,

I'm keen to carry on combining if poss - as got myself in a real mess emotionally and physically when doing solo breast feeding. My daughter has a big appetite and spent two weeks not able to get out of bed in an attempt to bf her. Unfortunately I wasn't producing enough milk and after she lost more weight the mw advised top up feeds. I feel guilty all the time! But I'll check with the health visitor next week and see what she advises. We'll have a weigh in too so will get a steer on feeding.
X

Sounds good :)

The point about combination breast-bottle is that it stops being combination if the breastmilk decreases and then ceases - 2-3 oz top ups each time are a lot, and this will reduce your milk supply and in time, your baby may object to going on the breast at all :( Hope your HV will review your situation with you, so you can keep top ups to a level which helps you bf for as long as you wish.

Thanks- I must admit I've struggled with bf and it's been a relief to introduce formula. Hopefully I can find a balance as don't want to abandon bf altogether.