3 week old feeding less?

Question

My 3 week old drinks only 1 1/2 to 2 oz. expressed breast milk every 3hours. Is that enough? I hear people mentioning that babies take 4 oz. at 3 weeks. I am worried m y baby is not getting enough. Please advice as to how I can get him to drink more.

Answer 1

Is there a reason you're feeding expressed milk instead of direct nursing?

At 3 weeks, 2 oz is pretty good. Remember that his tummy is the size of his fist.

I'm surprised that he is going 3 hours between feeds though, because I'd expect him to want to eat every 2 hours at this age. Breastmilk digests in about 90 minutes.

Is he gaining weight? Having plenty of wet and dirty diapers?

Answer 2

unless baby has made a drop in the amount he/she is eating as in frequency or amount, don't worry they eat what they can handle. my son is 7 months old and takes about 4-5 oz;s at a time. your baby may be more of a snacker, don't force them

Answer 3

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html

is exactly what u need.. it gives you a visual & a calculator to figure that out. It sounds good though... every baby is differnet & yours will take exactly what it needs & no more or less.
Good Job for you nursing mom! You doing a great thing

actually.. i guess its right on track.. a 1mo is supposed to average around 2-2.5 oz.!

Answer 4

If your baby is not getting enough to eat trust me you will be the first to know. the crying alone will tell you something is wrong, all babies vary is size and eat different amounts, if your baby is content sleeping good then chances are they are well nourished.