Operation and EBM feeding - how much will I need?

[jessr123]

I am due for an op in September for a repair that they missed when my LO was born, and have requested local anaesthetic so I can continue to breastfeed but realise I may be given a general as the pain is supposed to be BIG. So I am busy stocking up on EBM. Only problem is I haven't a clue how much milk LO will need.

He is a chunky boy now, 15lb 3oz last Friday, and feeds every 3-5 hours. He is currently 3 1/2 months old, so by the time of the op he will be about 5 months. I reckon I will need a stash of at least 48 hours of milk just incase (for the day of op and following day). Can anyone at least give me a vague idea of how many oz I will need. Thanks.

 

[asacia]

I am due for an op in September for a repair that they missed when my LO was born, and have requested local anaesthetic so I can continue to breastfeed but realise I may be given a general as the pain is supposed to be BIG. So I am busy stocking up on EBM. Only problem is I haven't a clue how much milk LO will need.

He is a chunky boy now, 15lb 3oz last Friday, and feeds every 3-5 hours. He is currently 3 1/2 months old, so by the time of the op he will be about 5 months. I reckon I will need a stash of at least 48 hours of milk just incase (for the day of op and following day). Can anyone at least give me a vague idea of how many oz I will need. Thanks.

Breastfed babies generally take 1oz per hour, so aim for 48oz plus a bit extra just incase.

A useful milk calculator and an explanation about amounts here:
https://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html

There is some great information on bottle feeding a breastfed baby here, including how not to overfeed:
https://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html

And some great information on breastfeeding and surgery here:
https://www.kellymom.com/health/illness/index.html

 

[XKatX]

I had enough for a couple of feeds, but then Oliver only had 3 feeds a day. Just so you know, if you express as soon as you feel up to it, you can then feed your baby the next feed. I just expressed as soon as I got home, then we were off again!! If I had known earlier, I would have taken my pump in and done it as soon as I woke up. So maybe this is an option?

 

[beancounter]

At 4 months, Finn was taking 210 ml (7 oz) every couple of hours in the day, which was a lot and more than 1 oz an hour, but I did wean him early so at 5 months he takes less. If he is taking a bottle makes sure you keep giving him a bottle because some babies will not take a bottle if you stop offering one.

 

[jms895]

I would say Caine is having about 3 or 4 oz every 2 hours, though I BF so dont measure but can guess due to how much I get off when I express. If he has a bottle of milk its about 6 or 7 oz...

 

[jessr123]

At 4 months, Finn was taking 210 ml (7 oz) every couple of hours in the day, which was a lot and more than 1 oz an hour, but I did wean him early so at 5 months he takes less. If he is taking a bottle makes sure you keep giving him a bottle because some babies will not take a bottle if you stop offering one.

He has never taken a bottle and I don't really want to start with one now so we have a few sippy cups which I am starting to use with him with a bit of water to get him used to the idea. He will also drink from a syringe, so we have a few of those ready just incase.

 

[moo2]

Hi there x

Due to medical reasons I exclussively express and George is 21 weeks today.
George was weaned early and now takes 29oz of EBM over 4 feeds per day plus 3 solid meals.
At 17 weeks when we started weaning he was on 5 x 6oz EBM feeds and has gradually moved to the above.
Hope this helps x