Baby Parenting Guide

How much formula does a newborn need while breast feeding colostrum?

My baby is 2 days old. I been breast feeding him every 2-3 hours 15 minutes on each breast and giving an ounce of formula each time. My milk still hasnt come in yet. Do you know when it will? How much formula does he need now and later?

Public Response to How much formula does a newborn need while breast feeding colostrum?

1. If you want to just breast feed, I don't think you should be giving formula too- that will be bad for trying to get your milk to come in. I'd ask a nurse about it to give you some good help/advice.
2. he needs no formula. The more formula you supplement him with the longer your milk will take to come in and the less you will produce. Just keep him breastfeeding only, it will come in-all he needs is what you are making for him now.
3. Do not time feedings -- nurse as frequently as possible and for as long as baby likes -- and do not give formula. Helpful: "Is my baby getting enough milk?" http://www.kellymom.com/newman/04enough_milk.html
4. He doesn't need any formula at all. Just keep nursing!
5. Your milk will be in soon. Feeding the baby ANY formula risks your success of breastfeeding. Just feed baby often. Colostrum is all baby needs right now. Supplementing at this point will tell your body that it does not need to produce as much milk as you will need.
6. Great going with the time table! Personally though, I don't believe you need to give him formula since your body provides EVERYTHING he needs nutritionally. (Unless your doctor advised you otherwise). Your milk will come in on about the 3rd to 4th day - believe me, you will feel the difference! If you don't plan on continuing with breastfeeding, however, then about 3-4 ounces of formula per feeding once you stop breast feeding. More important though, pay attention to your baby, he may want more or less. Happy nursing!
7. She doesn't even need formula right now. She has enough food stored in her body to get her by until your milk comes in. An ounce of formula is not bad though. If you have a big baby, he or she may still be hungry after colostrom. Do not give your baby more than that right now though. When your milk comes in about a day or two, you will not need to give formula. As a newborn, your baby will drink about 2-4 oz at a time and it will increase with age. My 4 month old drinks about 6 oz. every 2-3 hours. Formula fed babies do not eat as often.
8. I really didn't think you need formula the first couple of days, ask your doctor!
9. How much formula does a newborn need while breast feeding colostrum? Absolutely none! Colostrum is very nutrient rich, made for your baby and all he or she needs right now. Keep feeding on demand, it usually takes about four days for your milk to come in. The more you feed, the more milk your body will produce. How much formula does he need now and later? Again, none. Unless you are going back to work and plan to stop breastfeeding. But even in that case, you can pump and feed bottles of breastmilk while you are at work. Your baby needs nothing but breastmilk for 6 months. Good luck!
10. NO formula!
11. Congratulations on the birth of your little baby!! People say breastfeeding is natural but for many of us (myself included) it is more like a 'learned skill' for both baby and mother. The reality is - your baby does not need formula - just you. Your milk is amazing and the colostrum you are making right now, is liquid gold. Let your baby suckle and suckle and suckle as breastfeeding is all about demand and supply. The more they suckle, the more milk is produced. Letting your baby suckle for as long as they want will help your milk come in. Kellymom is a great website with some great tips - I hope it helps!