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Hi. Would anyone have some literature indicating approx. how many ounces a 18.5lb baby should take from a bottle of expressed breastmilk per feeding? I am pumping and giving it to my baby but don't want to waste any liquid gold. Any ideas...I would really appreciate some guidelines.

My baby is 8 months old and weighs 19.5 pounds and takes around 6-7 ounces per feeding.

Good luck!

A general rule of thumb in figuring out how much pumped milk to feed baby:
2.5 times the baby's weight in oz. divided by the number of feedings in 24 hours = the amount of milk per feeding (approximately). So for example 18.5 lb baby x 2.5 = 46.25 oz in 24 hours divided by 8 = feedings every 3 hours of approximately 5.75 oz.

If your baby eats more or less frequently, then divide 46 oz. by however many feedings he/she has in a day to get an idea of how much milk to offer. It depends on your baby, but 4 ounces is a good place to start, and I wouldn't assume he/she would take more than 6 at a time. I think often bottle-fed babies eat more than they do at the breast because it's too easy to just keep swallowing. They like to suck, so will take more than they need.

Kerri

Hi Trina,

You can save the un-used portion of the bottle if it is filled with breastmilk. Just put it back in the fridge and use for the next feeding. Breastmilk is not the same as formula. With formula you have to discard any un-used portions due to threat of contamination. But breastmilk has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. You don't have to waste any. Fresh breastmilk can sit out at room temperature for 6 hours. It is good in the fridge for up to a week. It's ok in the freezer for 6 months to a year.

Warmest regards,

I appreciate all of your help!! Thanks. My daugther seems to be taking aprox. 5 oz right now per feed. THANKS again!