Feeding Challenges: Balancing Breastfeeding and Formula for Your Baby

Feeding volume and breastfeeding issues?

Hello Doctor,
I have a few parenting questions I would like to ask:
1.
My baby turned 2 months old on August 26 and currently weighs 6300 grams.
I am feeding him a mixture of breast milk and formula, with an intake of about 130-140 cc (this is the measured amount from the bottle; I do not know how much he consumes directly from breastfeeding).
However, my baby seems to get hungry every 2-3 hours and often cries for more.
Is this amount too little? Sometimes, after feeding, he cries again about an hour later, and when I give him an additional 60 cc, he calms down.
Is it okay to feed him small amounts intermittently, or should I let him eat until he is full in one go?
2.
Previously, I would let him breastfeed directly whenever he cried, and he would sometimes fall asleep while nursing.
Now, due to caregiving issues, I am not always available during the day.
My mother-in-law says that the baby cries during the day because he wants to nurse from me, and she is concerned that it will be difficult for them to care for him if he gets used to breastfeeding directly.
She suggests that I pump the breast milk and give it to him instead.
Will the baby really recognize my breast? Is it better for him to breastfeed directly or to drink pumped milk? Or has he become accustomed to needing something to suck on to fall asleep because I previously let him nurse to sleep?
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
I am a worried first-time mom.

Best regards,
Fei Ma

Fei Ma, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/22

Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics

Dr.
Chang Kuo-Chen from the Zhudong Branch of the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital respectfully responds as follows:
1.
A 2-month-old baby weighing 6300 grams is growing quite well, despite your uncertainty about whether the baby is getting enough to eat.
Generally, we cannot confirm the milk intake due to breastfeeding, but it is considered good if the baby gains about 1 kilogram each month.
2.
Directly breastfeeding from the mother's nipple not only serves to feed the baby but also enhances the parent-child bond and provides the baby with a sense of security, which can have unseen benefits for their future personality development.
Therefore, if possible, it is recommended to breastfeed directly from the nipple.
If there are difficulties, that is a different matter.
Wishing you peace and safety.

Reply Date: 2006/08/22

More Info

Feeding challenges, especially when balancing breastfeeding and formula feeding, can be quite common for new parents. It's important to understand that every baby is unique, and their feeding patterns can vary significantly. Let's address your concerns step by step.

1. Feeding Amounts and Frequency: At two months old, a baby typically consumes about 150-200 cc of milk per kilogram of body weight per day. Given that your baby weighs 6300 grams, he should be getting approximately 945-1260 cc of milk daily. If he is feeding every 2-3 hours and consuming around 130-140 cc per feeding, this seems to be within a reasonable range. However, if he is still showing signs of hunger shortly after feeding, it may indicate that he needs a bit more milk per session. It’s perfectly fine to offer additional milk if he seems hungry after finishing a bottle. Babies often go through growth spurts where they may need more nutrition, so being responsive to his hunger cues is key.

2. Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding: Breastfeeding directly from the breast provides not only nutrition but also comfort and bonding. Babies can indeed develop a preference for breastfeeding, as it is a source of comfort for them. If your baby is used to breastfeeding to sleep, he may be seeking that comfort when he cries. If you need to be away and are concerned about him recognizing your breast, it’s important to establish a routine with bottle feeding as well. You can pump and offer him breast milk in a bottle, which can help him adjust to being cared for by others. The key is to ensure that he is comfortable with both methods of feeding.

3. Recognizing Your Breast: Babies do have a strong sense of smell and can recognize their mother’s scent, which includes the scent of breast milk. This recognition can lead to a preference for breastfeeding. If you are transitioning to bottle feeding, try to have someone else offer the bottle initially, as babies can sometimes refuse a bottle if they associate feeding with breastfeeding.
4. Feeding Comfort: If your baby has developed a habit of needing to suck to fall asleep, this is quite common. Sucking is a natural reflex for babies and provides comfort. If you want to help him learn to self-soothe, you might consider introducing a pacifier or allowing him to suck on his fingers, provided he is not hungry.

5. General Recommendations: It’s essential to maintain a flexible approach to feeding. If your baby is gaining weight appropriately and seems content after feedings, you’re likely on the right track. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician will help ensure that he is growing well and receiving adequate nutrition.
In summary, continue to respond to your baby's hunger cues, whether that means offering more milk during feedings or allowing him to breastfeed for comfort. It’s also beneficial to maintain a balance between breastfeeding and bottle feeding, especially if you need to be away from him. Each baby is different, and finding the right balance for your family may take some time and patience. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby's feeding habits or growth.

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