Does Supply Increase w/Age?

[megward]

Hey Ladies...I'm looking for some advice!

My little guy is almost 4 months and I can tell he's needing more milk. He takes about 5oz. per bottle feeding, two to three times, during they day, but I can only pump about 10oz. while I'm at work. Will my supply increase with his "demand" or should I worry that I can't make enough? Should I get with the LC about reglan?

Also, do BF babies take more than 5oz. at a time? It seems as all of the BF bottles only go up to 5oz. so I'm just wondering....first time mom woes!!

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[Corrie]

Your body will regulate to what your baby needs, its a supply and demand factor. If your baby is still having normal poopy diapers and wet diapers then your baby is getting enough. Just make sure you drinking lots of water and eating healthy calories. Dont worry about your supply unless theres a drop in diapers.

[babysparkler]

Your body will regulate to what your baby needs, its a supply and demand factor. If your baby is still having normal poopy diapers and wet diapers then your baby is getting enough. Just make sure you drinking lots of water and eating healthy calories. Dont worry about your supply unless theres a drop in diapers.

ITA... your supply will adjust to the demand. :)

[HeyMrs.K]

I posted this not too long ago- hope this helps

http://americanpregnancy.org/forums/showthread.php?t=127454&highlight=Good+to+know+breastfeeding

[Lindsay1]

How many times per day are you pumping at work? If you just keep pumping more, your supply should adjust. If you're using freezer stash to supplement, the your supply won't adjust because your body doesn't know it needs to make more.

Here's some info on use of freezer stash to supplement (rationale would also apply if someone was supplementing with a bit of formula):
http://www.workandpump.com/freezerstash.htm

Personally I would try adding pumping sessions before bed, in the night, and/or in the morning to try to make up the difference before thinking about Reglan. You can also try eating oatmeal to boost supply- many ladies swear by that.

[megward]

Ok, so here is what I do..

I pump in the morning on the side he doesn't eat on, usually 2-3ozs.
I pump 2-3 times a day during work, double pumps, usually 2-3ozs from each side.
I then pump in the evening if I feel full on one side after he eats on the other.

Is there an average of how much you should be pumping a day? I get about 10-12oz per day but it seems like others are getting more!!

[Lindsay1]

Everyone pumps different amounts, so there isn't a "standard" amount to pump besides generally each time baby is eating away from you.

I pump 3 times at work and at night right before bed (both sides each time). I get varying amounts per session but usually 12-14 oz total, which is about the amount baby drinks at daycare.

Some people are just lucky and pump larger quantities at a time. Not me!

Maybe just make sure you pump 3 times at work plus morning/night every day. Sounds like you might get the quantity you need then (based on your numbers above).

[HeyMrs.K]

If you read the link I posted for you, you would realize that even though your DS is getting older- he really isn't drinking more or consuming more. Oh gosh, that sounds mean but I'm not being mean! I'm just saying he isn't consuming more as he gets older, for most babes it stays the same and really only slightly increases after 6 weeks.

** If anything, just read the last paragraph of the article!

[swannie]

If he gets a 4oz bottle, does he IMMEDIATELY cry out for more when it's done, or does he seem satisfied? Sometimes daycare workers are quick to assume babies need more milk when they really don't.