Pumping mamas

[Ashley]

Okay, so I'm going to be an evil selfish mommy and leave my child for a weekend. She'll be 5 1/2 months old. My question is, how much pumped milk do I need to try to get at this age? She'll need enough for what will amount to 3 full days & nights.

Obviously, if it runs out she can have formula, I'll be almost to my goal of 6 months, and will hopefully be able to continue when I get back. But, I'm prepared if she refuses. That said, I'd like her to have mostly, if not all, breastmilk while I'm gone. I do have somewhat of a stash already, but I have no idea how much I would need.. Thanks ladies!! :support:

[Elaine]

I can't really remember back that far but I think Ben was getting about 30 oz a day. 5 bottles, 6 oz each. Roughly. I think... :hehe:

How often does she eat now? Ben was sleeping through the night at that point (about 12 hours) so he wasn't waking up to eat. I'd gauge about 6 oz per feeding.

I'll check the journal that I kept to see if I wrote down how much he was eating at that age.

[MomHenry918]

I agree with Elaine...that should be plenty. Just remember that breastmilk freezes beautifully...so don't be shy about adding some extra. You never know when she'll go through a growth spurt and want more!

And you are NOT selfish...I envy you!! :hula:

[Jojo]

I always leave tons when I go out because Matthew is a pig. I'd probably have to leave like 200 oz if I left him for that long :lol:

I would calculate as you get closer to that date to see how much she eats.

[Mama Sandy]

If I were you I would pump and feed her for a few days before you are planning to leave just to see how much she's taking from a bottle each feeding. Obciously start sooner if you are worried you don't have enough stash set aside (like me). I have enough stashed for Averie to last about 3 feedings at this point. She's only taking about 3-4 oz. each feeding at this point but she also nurses every 2-3 hours day and night still (she's 5 months old tomorrow :( )

[Leah]

Do you ever give her bottles now? If you don't I would suggest it once in a while and that way she will be more likely to switch back and forth and you can see what she will drink. Sometimes if you don't give bottles much, the baby can refuse them.

I would guess that she will drink somewhere between 4 to 6 oz per feeding and then it depends on how often she is eating. I cant' totally remember how many times a day we were at when he was 5 months...I want to say 6 to 8, depending on if there were middle of the night feedings. Probably count on at least 5 oz X how ever many feedings she will need...and then add a little extra for insurance. ;)

[Ashley]

Thanks ladies! I'm sure going to try, though don't know if I'll have quite enough in the next six weeks. We'll see. It should at least be close.. if she gets a little formula oh well. But still the mommy guilt sure is kicking in over leaving her..

[Elaine]

Thanks ladies! I'm sure going to try, though don't know if I'll have quite enough in the next six weeks. We'll see. It should at least be close.. if she gets a little formula oh well. But still the mommy guilt sure is kicking in over leaving her..
Piffle! Drop the guilt! You need the break, you've definitely earned the break and a few days away from the mama might do little Miss No-Nap some good! ;) Oh, and I bet your DH will appreciate you a whole bunch more when you get back... :twothumbs: Not that he doesn't now but you know what I mean...

[Leah]

I agree that you shouldn't feel guilty...but I know first hand, easier said than done. Are you going to pump while you're on vacation to keep your supply going?

[Ashley]

I agree that you shouldn't feel guilty...but I know first hand, easier said than done. Are you going to pump while you're on vacation to keep your supply going?

Yes, definitely. I usually only pump once in the morning (her on one side, pump the other) but I will try my best to keep up a supply. I'm sure I won't be entirely accurate, but I'll do my best..

[Ashley]

And thank you Elaine.. I'm trying to remember that!!