So how much should I be feeding my little girl?

[Twohundredyears]

Hi 👋
my little girl is 15 weeks and on the smaller side - 9th percentile but is following the trajectory for weight gain so all fine there.

she is exclusively formula fed and has between 750ml to 820ml of formula per day.

when she’s having a growth spurt she has an extra bottle so around 900ml

my question is

1. is it ok to stay around the 800ml per day? or should I be increasing it say every couple of weeks?

She seems content with feeds and the volume and will sleep solidly through the night between 9pm and 6am.

i suppose I have a bit of anxiety that I should be giving her more?

sorry if it’s obvs. I’m a first time mum so winging it most of the time x

Yes but it’s not helpful as they give a range ie 120-180ml per feed 5-6 a day

Does she finish her bottles?

We generally did every 4 hours ish and then upped the formula amount when she consistently started finishing bottles. We'd aim for 1oz or so remaining rather than a drained bottle.

But if she seems happy then you're doing the right thing.

The formula guides are just that, guides.

Hi there.

If your baby is draining all her bottles, you can offer her more in each one.

If she regularly leaves milk in all or most of them, then you won't be able to make her drink more.

Babies are very good at regulating the amount of milk they need. Be guided by your baby.

Is your baby gaining weight? Sleeping well at night? Does she have six wet nappies a day?

If it's yes to all of those questions then your little girl is doing fine and so are you.

Thank you! That’s reassuring. Yes she’s finishing her feeds. She sometimes cry’s for extra but I think this is more of a comfort thing. I can tell the difference between comfort and hunger. If it’s comfort and she’s had a feed I’ll pop the dummy in and of course offer more milk if this doesn’t settle her.

she has a big feed first thing then it’s 150ml to 180ml through out the day with her last feed before bed
we offer 150 ml before bed but sometimes she’ll only take 50ml which I think is a sign she’s had enough for the day

Ah, I've just noticed that you said your baby sleeps through the night.
That's a very good guide.

I am sure that she's getting enough. I'm a retired midwife BTW and had four babies of my own.

Ah thank you!
yes to all three- this is helping my anxiety and reassuring me.

We offer 150 ml before bed but sometimes she’ll only take 50ml which I think is a sign she’s had enough for the day

Yes, you're right. You clearly understand your baby.

In a few weeks it'll all change again, because you'll be starting her on solids.

Thank you. 🙏 this is great to hear

Thank you. I’ve actually had postnatal depression and I think my worry is that I’m not taking care of my baby well enough or that she’s going without or she won’t thrive.

I promise you that if she wasn't getting enough milk, she wouldn't sleep as well as she does.

Is she gaining weight? If sh she’s fine. If not give her a bit more.

Yes 👍 gaining weight for her trajectory.

just given her 180 ml and she’s zonked out on my chest 😅🥰