2 hopefully quick and easy bf questions

[Katy44]

Hi
I have 2 completely unrelated questions.

When I'm feeding, I get a 'pulling' sensation in my other breast, more in one than the other, is this just letdown?

When feeding EBM, how much should I give for a feed? What I've done so far is give the same amount as recommended for formula for his age/weight, does that make sense? I know he can have as much or as little as he wants but I'd hate to see loads wasted. So far it's been OK, but I've usually been around if he wants more, if I'm unavailable I need to know there's enough.

It sounds like letdown - I used to be a bit more aware of it one side than the other. HV told me i'd have to experiment to find the right amount of EBM. I tried it on the basis of the formula equivalent. Good bit of HV advice, though, don't put all the EBM into one bottle - put maybe half of what you think you might need with the other half in reserve. That way you don't have to throw out so much. I couldn't bear to do that either, it used to nearly make me cry! I think the most I ever got DS to have was c130ml at about 5/6 wks.

Put his usual amount in 1 bottle with top up EBM in another bottle, increasing the amount in his feed bottle as he drinks it all, a tiny bit in the bottom says he is full rather than an empty bottle which could be i'm full or could be hmm, another few sips would have been nice.

hi,

sounds let down to me. it also felt like there were some stingy nettles in my bra too - although it didn't hurt?!?!?

someone told me (and it might be the same as formula, i don't know) - to take the babys weight in lbs and half it. so for a 10lb baby each feed would be 5oz....plus a bit for luck.
i went by this and it generally worked but i also made sure that when i froze or stored any ebm that it was in small quantities so if needs be 1-2oz could be prepared quickly(defrosts quicker in small quantities and also you don't waste as much). ideally you want to defrost in fridge but you can also put container in hot water if you have to. takes a little while but its unlikely baby will be howling if they've had most of what they need.
i also found however, that unlike the formula guidelines, that dd tended to go for 3 hours rather than 4 because emb isn't as thick and digested easier.
for peace of mind, have a carton of formula on standby. its not the devils drink and one carton every now and again isn't going to hurt but will help you relax when you are out. i wish i'd realised this sooner.
hope that helps.
if in doubt and you don't get many other responese then phone one of the boob hotlines, NCT, La Leache League etc.

Thanks everyone
Good idea about freezing a few little bits (have loads of bags) - I've been doing about 4oz at a time so should probably have an oz or so more at the moment as he's probably just under 11 lb. MatNanPlus - that's exactly what I was thinking, I don't want any waste but a tiny bit in the bottom is very reassuring! popeye, we have a couple of cartons of formula in the cupboard, I've found it really reassuring when bf was difficult (although it wasn't ever that bad, mentally tough rather than physically) that there were other options, I really think it helped get me through a few feeds.
The stinging nettle sensation, was that just when feeding or all the time? My nipples sometimes feel a bit sore when not feeding, but just like you describe, doesn't really hurt. Suppose if you have someone biting them for about 5 hours a day it's to be expected

the stingy sensation would be when i wasn't feeding. wouldn't describe it as being sore though - just felt a bit odd. happened even right up to the end (10mths) by which time i think i could have cut diamonds with my nipples

well that's a handly little side line