How much breast milk should a 6 week old infant be drinking?

Question

I was just curious as to what amount my 6 week old should be drinking at each feeding. I have been pumping 4 0z. bottles, but sometimes he only wants about 2 oz. and sometimes he wants more. I feed him about every 2-3 hours. When will he need more milk and rest better at night? Thanks, Millie

Answer 1

intake is dependent on the infants weight, normally a 6 week old will eat 2-4oz in a sitting or nurse every 1.5-3 hours round the clock
as long as your baby is still not being fed anything except formula or breastmilk, gaining weight and having wet diapers he is well fed
these are the ounce guidelines based on weight (the amount of calories a day needed for growth)
Pounds/ kg /oz
4.5 / 2 / 11
6 / 2.7 / 15
8 / 3.6 / 19
10 / 4.5 / 24
12 / 5.5 / 30
To estimate energy requirements and recommended formula intake for an individual infant:

* Obtain infant's weight in kg. If measurement is taken in pounds, convert ounces to a decimal value of a pound (each ounce is .0625 of a pound) and multiply by .454.
* Multiply weight in kg by 108 kcal/kg to get estimate of total energy needs.
* Divide by 20 to get number of ounces

also please note that the amount of food given and also the type will have no effect on how long or well your baby sleeps.
giving rice cereal or other food before six months old will do nothing for your baby except deprive him of the calories he needs (he can't yet digest solids).

Answer 2

You're doing good........2-3 hours for breastmilk and 3-4 hours for formula feeding.......

He does not need 4 oz....he's 6 weeks old.....his stomach is the size of a quarter......
If an adult size stomach is the size of your fist........how much bigger is a newborn baby?

Go with your baby's cues......IF he wants to eat more then feed him more.....if not than when he's done don't force it.....

And don't worry about the sleep......they will fall into their own pattern in another 2-3 months.....

And Pleeeeeeeeeease don't feed him until he's at least 6 months old.......their digestive system has not matured yet to handle solid foods.

HEre is a guide to help you when the time is right,

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyfeeding/1400680.html

Age: Birth to 4 months------------
Feeding behavior
• Rooting reflex helps your baby turn toward a nipple to find nourishment
What to feed
• Breast milk or formula ONLY •
Your baby's digestive tract is still developing, which is why solid food is off limits for now.

From 4-6 months------------
Signs of readiness for solid food
Your baby probably won't do all these things — they're just clues to watch for.
• Can hold head up
• Sits well in highchair
• Makes chewing motions
• Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled)
• Shows interest in food
• Can close mouth around a spoon
• Can move food from front to back of mouth
• Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue
• Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day
• Is teething
What to feed
• Breast milk or formula, PLUS
• Semi-liquid iron-fortified rice cereal, THEN
• Other grain cereals like oats or barley

And foods to avoid for your baby
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyfeeding/9195.html

Answer 3

He should be eating till he drops off the nipple and has that drunken sailor look about him. You should watch for his clues, ie rooting to clue you in on when to feed him. If he is getting enough at each feeding and is secure he will get it when he needs it, he will start going a bit longer between feeds pretty soon. You should pump till your breast is empty, that should be the amt he needs, but your body may not be regulated to his demand just yet as it is still a bit early. You are doing a great job you know!! If you are interested, i belong to a breastfeeding support forum that has a bunch of terrific experienced mammas that have helped me tons. Here is the link. http://www.diaperpin.com/forum04/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=30

Answer 4

Newborn Stomach Capacity

Answer 5

Are you pumping for work? If the baby is nursing, let them stay on one side for most of the feeding, then they will be sure to get the hindmilk which is more fatty, same goes for pumping. Pump on the other side whilst baby nurses.

A newborn's stomach is about the size of their fist. Feed as often as they want to eat!

Answer 6

A breastfed baby will eat until full sometimes it takes a little more sometimes a little less it may also have to do with your diet.

Answer 7

He should be drinking about 4 Oz. But every baby is different. My daughter drank 2 OZ. every two hours. I started feeding her cereal about 6 weeks, so she would sleep better and stay full longer. Good Luck!!

Answer 8

I always let my baby nurse until full.

Answer 9

sounds bout right healthy baby. consider the possiblities of starting cereal bout 8 weeks then go to rice round 12 to 24 weeks but if you want a real answer ask your pediatrician.

Answer 10

as much as he wants. when he don't want any more he will turn away or fall asleep.