Expressing

[Claireyh]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering, how much do I need to get out for a decent feed for my son when I'm expressing. Is 2 oz ok? Or does it just depend on what he wants and I need to work out how much needs from that?

When we brought him home from the hospital he got himself in a right state and couldn't latch so we syringed some formula and now there are sometimes when I just can't get him to latch so I express and have some breast milk ready for in case he doesn't latch. I do try my hardest, I'm determined that he will get breast milk and tbh I'm not really that bothered how he gets it!!!

TIA ladies

xxx

 

[mari72]

I honestly don't have much experience of expressing but just wanted to say that babies don only have little tummies at this stage so don't be overly worried about volume-its more about how satisfied they seem, that they are alert when they are awake and they are having wet nappies-all those things indicate baby is getting enough. Milk flow isn't well established at this stage and obviously getting baby onto the breast as often as possible is preferable to expressing. Maybe try giving him a little with syringe if he's getting flustered and upset just to calm him and then try again to get him to latch.
Good luck with it-its a lovely time but its also the most exhausting and difficult xxx

 

[Mummy Vikki]

I think Paige was taking about 40-50ml at 4 days so 2oz should be enough but that does also depend on baby's weight. If he seems happy after a feed then I would say that is enough - just keep increasing it when he seems to want it.

I would say express a bit and while your nips are poking out try and get your LO to latch - worked well with my LO, she wouldnt latch at all until she was 7weeks - now there is no stopping her

The good thing with BM is you can put it in the fridge so if you get more than LO wants you can either leave it at room temp for up to 6 hours or refridgerate it for the next feed

Stick with it hun, your doing great, Im sure you will both get there in the end