My 5 mo. old bb is only having 20 oz. of milk on average.

Melissa - posted on 02/11/2009

I think some of it is determined by the composition of your breastmilk.Breast milk composition is specifically to meet the needs of your baby.I think my lil one only takes in about 20-24oz (I don't know for sure as I nurse, but when I pump I never get more than 4oz at a time and she nurses about 5-6 times a day). And she is plump little one! :) (My mom says I have thick milk compared to what she used to have!)

Sarah - posted on 02/11/2009

My son is almost 9 months He is EBF with solids starting at 4 months as suggested by pediatrician. He has NEVER taken more than a 5oz bottle at a time and his intake has been in the same range as your LO FOREVER. BF babies do not need as much... the milk changes for them so the quantity most times does not. My sons pediatrician's actual words "totally normal, my daughter never took more than 3.5oz at a time." That being said, my son is in the 98% for height and 80% for weight. Always has been. So if your LO is gaining weight, thriving and having normal diaper changes, nothing to worry about dear :)

Bryna - posted on 02/10/2009

Actually, Dr. Peter Hartmann's research in Australia found out that babies only ever take in about 20 oz of breastmilk per day, the entire duration of their nursing relationship. They simply change what increments they take it in. At five months, often babes will take 4 really good feeds of about 5 oz. Before supplementing with formula (which can cause stomach upset for babe, and low supply for mom) check for other fussiness issues before feeding, sometimes it's gas, and they confuse their tummy-ache for hunger, since to a baby, a tummy-ache is a tummy-ache. There are lots of good sites for information, but an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant or Certified Lactation Counselor are your best bets.

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/l...

www.kellymom.com

Ashley - posted on 02/10/2009

My son is 4 1/2 months, I breastfeed him and he gets a bottle when he goes to the sitter but at his 2 month check up my dr told me that some babies never make it past a 4 oz bottle the whole time they are on a bottle. He still only takes 3 or so oz from his bottle. I never know how much he takes from the breast but he doesnt nurse for that long so I know it cant be much more than that. But at his 4 month check up the dr told us to start him on cereal and eventually go to veggies then fruits. As long as she is growing and is healthy, you shouldnt have anything to worry about.

Carla - posted on 02/10/2009

expressing breastmilk is not representative of how much the baby would get if you were nursing, there is more of  a natural 'letdown'  so you're right to give her formula too.

As long as she has 6 wet nappies a day and the occasional poo you know she's getting enough. if she's grumpy the whole time and not gaining weight then you know to intervene.

Scientifically, A baby's digestive system is ready for solids at 16 weeks (although i'd never ever encourage anyone to start weaning then), the closer to 6 months the better. it also depends if they were premature or not, often they need much more time. This is why weaning at 6 months is not the law, some babies need it earlier (like my daughter, she was 2 weeks overdue).

Athena - posted on 02/10/2009

That's exactly what I am experiencing now with my daughter.  She is 4 months old and is only taking about 20- 24 oz as well.  I also was concerned because on average a baby her age should be dringking 6-7 oz per feeding and about 24-35 oz a day.  She only will have, tops, 4 oz per feeding.  But she feeds every 2 - 2 1/2 hours.  According to my doctor...she's gaining wait and is actually in the 65th percentile for weight and is fine.  I also am expressing milk too and nursing at night STILL!!! I guess she wants to supplement at night. I actually feel bad not nursing her because I feel like she's not eating as much throughout the day.  Check with your doctor...as long as she is gaining weight....its fine.  Not all babies are the same

Marisa - posted on 02/10/2009

More current research suggests that breastfed babies will actually take anywhere from 19-30 oz. of milk per day, throughout the first year (from newborn to almost-toddler), so she seems to be on the low end of normal with her intake.  There's no reason not to top her off with formula if she truly seems hungry and you don't have more expressed milk, but I wouldn't force it either.  The true keys are to see that she is having plenty of wet diapers, some poopy diapers, and that she is growing and meeting milestones.

The amount of milk she drinks truly shouldn't have anything to do with whether you choose to start solids (in another month, if you go by the current AAP guidelines of nothing but breastmilk or formula till 6mos).  The signs of readiness are sitting up well unassisted, no tongue thrust (pushing food right back out), able to turn her head well (so she can tell you when she's full) and developing the pincer grasp (reaching for small pieces with her fingers).  And even if she has all those tricks down, and she's not responding well to solids, you can back off for a week or so and try again later -- again, no matter how much milk she's drinking.  The milk is key to her brain development for most of the first year;  the solids are mostly for practice.

Niki - posted on 02/10/2009

Is she gaining weight, and having plenty of wet and dirty nappies?? if so, I wouldn't worry. If she appears to be hungry after her breast milk, then there is nothing wrong with giving her formula to top her up, good on you for persevering with the expressing for her, I know how much of a drag that can be when you're tired, sore and have things to do!! My breastfed baby takes my milk from a bottle when I work, and often only has 100 - 120ml per feed (from when she was 6 months old). I was unaware you couldn't start solids until you reach 32oz, we started solids by 5 months, slowly with rice cereal etc, and she was fine. They're all different, too much info and advice out there, go with what feels right for you, and if you have a happy, growing baby then, you must be doing alright!!