How Much Milk Should I Be Producing?

N.,
I am also a first time mom who had trouble breast feeding. My daughter is now 15 months old and is switched over to whole milk. She was an "insufficient suckler"; it was really difficult for her to properly latch on and stay that way in order to keep my production high enough to satisfy her. We visited lactation experts and still she was constantly eating and never satisfied, like your son, leaving us both feeling tired (and also leaving me with mastitis.) I had to supplement her, which was disheartening because it was very important to me to give her the breast milk. I made the decision to pump and it changed everything for us. I purchased a Medela Pump in Style (double pump with natural flow) which after a little while had my supply up enough to have enough milk left over to freeze for emergencies. Soon after she drank entirely from a bottle, 100% breast milk. I was told so much that breast feeding, not bottle, was best for establishing a relationship w/ my baby that the thought of it at first was so sad and made me feel a little like a failure. Like I was letting us both down. But as it turns out, it helped our relationship. The stress of not producing enough milk was relieved and made us both more comfortable (and actually helped in increase of supply.) She was getting as much food as she wanted, all breastmilk like I wanted, and as much love from a not stressed mother as as any baby could hope for. We made sure to keep feeding times quiet and special and in my opinion she has not sufferred from this at all. It also allowed her father the opportunity to share in feedings, she and her father have a wonderful bond now, too. He has also confessed that that really helped him to feel more involved and capable in his role. It was also comforting to know that if we had to have someone else feed her she wouldn't refuse it (as many babies tend to become very set in their ways after getting used to one thing!) w/o having to compromise nutrition.
As far as the cereal in the bottle goes, my mother suggested the same thing to me. I asked around, read a lot and found out from medical professionals that it wasn't such a good idea. One reason is that it may change your baby's tastes, making him have less of a taste for your plain old yummy breast milk. The other major reason being that he may end up eating less frequently than he needs to instead of that happy middle ground where you're not constantly feeding him, but he's still eating regularly. He may fill up on cereal and not be getting enough breast milk - meaning he's supposed to have a certain amount to get the nutrients contained in it, not just to be full. (I found that this amount varied from feeding to feeding, day to day and from my baby to other babies.)The last reason is that his belly isn't ready to digest the cereal yet. He probably won't be ready for 4-6 months, but he'll probably let you know.
Well, I hope I wasn't too long winded and I really hope I was able to help. My "unconventional" choice worked great for my little family. What I would hope for you, me and every other mother is to know that whatever choices you make - no matter what any book, or mothering league or anyone else tells you - you're still a good mom. You love your son. You have his best interests at heart. That is what's important, just try to find the best balance for YOUR family. Your son can still be happy and healthy and balanced, even with some compromises.
Best of Luck!!!
S.

What you get from a pump is not nearly what the baby gets. You can tell if your baby is getting enough by dirty diapers. If you are getting 2 or more dirty diapers a day at this age, the baby is most likely getting enough. That is if you are exclusively breastfeeding, if you are supplementing that throws off the diapers, because you can't tell what is from bf and what is supplement. Try to just nurse for a couple days and check the diapers. If enough, don't worry. The best way to increase your supply is increase nursings. I had to increase supply with 2 of my 4. I had a couple of weeks of nursing every 1 1/2 hours while awake and no more than 3 hours at night and pumping after 3-4 feedings a day for 20 minutes each time. A lot of work for a couple of weeks, but so very worth it. La Leche League is a great resource for advice and encouragement. I would have never made it with my youngest if it was not for them.
As far as the cereal, I would definately not. At this age cereal is empty calories that they should be getting from breastmilk. Every calorie that a baby takes from anything else is one that they do not get from breastmilk.

Keep it up, and congratulations.

I have a 4 and a half month old son and also had a breast reduction. I decided not to breastfeed for many reasons including possibly not being able to produce enough milk. I didn't want to add any stress to having my first child, Jackson. He is a very healthy 17 pound wonder. I have no regrets about feeding formula. I also thought about adding some cereal to a night feeding but was strongly advised not to by our doctor. A baby will eat as little or as much as they need and will sleep through the night when they are ready. Cereal is to be given when they are ready to learn to eat and they need to feel the texture of food as they learn to swallow. Remember that only you know your son best and that people will given you too much advice, especially lactation nurses! Just a thought from me, good luck and congrats!

I couldnt get much milk by pumping. I would pump for an hour and get only 2 ounces, but my daught did get enough milk when she latched on. She gained weight like she should. I ended up pregnant again when my daughter was 9 months old. I still couldnt pump anymore than an ounce. I breastfed her throughout my pregnancy and afteer i gave birth to my son. Even when I was breastfeeding two children and my breasts were full I still couldnt pump more than 3 ounces. Sometimes I think women cant pump. As long as your child is gaining weight you shouldnt have a problem. I think alot of women forget to realize that the breast were made for latching on not pumping. Pumpming doesnt work with everyone.

My niece had a problem with her daughter latching on. She pumped milk for a month and then no matter how much she pumped she couldnt get anything. So she had to switch to formula. Keep trying to get your baby to latch on.

The thing is, if you are breastfeeding it is really hard to tell the number of ounces- dr's and nurses who are used to formula fed babies can say "Oh you need this many ounces eaten every blah blah blah" because it is something that they can tell. That does not mean he is not getting enough food. He may be a comfort nurser, or he may be hungry. Is he gaining weight? How many diapers are you all going through in a day? That is what is important... not the ounces. When I pumped I always got jack, unless I pumped one side and breast fed the other-- then I would get a ton. Something about the letdown of the one side helped the other come down. But I would be lucky if after half an hour of pumping by itself I would get 2 ounces. It would be so frustrating. There are also mother's milk teas, fenugreek, and some presecription meds that are supposed to up your breastmilk supply. Oatmeal is really good for it too... (there is this great recipe for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies- specifically for nursing moms if you would like it)

I do not recommend the cereal in the bottle trick. Mostly because he is still very little- the American Association of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization do not recommend introducing solids until *at least* 6 months, and recommend delaying them even further-and nursing until at least age 2. Also, if he is not getting enough, then adding empty carbs (rice cereal) is not going to help him get the nutrition he needs. It is a filler, and should not be considered for any sort of nutritional value. (plus it tastes disgusting)

I wholeheartedly agree with contacting your local LLL or the hospitals breastfeeding consultant, or even going online to livejournal.com and checking out their breastfeeding community. (that is what it is called "
breastfeeding" they have lots of info, and can provide great support. The breastfeeding consultant often have access to scales that can measure how much milk the baby is actually getting by weighing him before and after, but more than that they can provide you with a lot of information in a friendly, non-stressful way.

Babies do not need to eat for the first few days. They really don't. You nurse them to stimulate the milk going... not because they are hungry. That is why all babies lose a little bit of weight after they are born. Unfortunately some 'professionals' don't seem to get that. Just because they help the birthing process, doesn't mean they understand the baby process, you know?

Make sure that if you continue to supplement him with formula that you are using slow flow nipples, that are as similar to yours as you can find. (Again, a BC or a LLL person can help you find what you need) That will help avoid nipple confusion. There are also SNS systems, which basically means that you are supplementing your breastmilk by having him nurse with a tube attached next to your nipple- this gives him the extra good stuff and stimulates your production, where giving him a bottle does nothing for your supply. There are store bought ones, and I know people have made their own- if that interests you, I would definiately check out the livejournal community- because that is where I found out about that.

Good luck! Know that no matter what you are giving your son everything he needs. :)

Solid food such as cereal given before 6 months can be damaging to your infant's digestive system. Other than having him breastfeed as much as possible, I'm not sure what you can do to increase your milk supply. Talk to a lactation counselor or talk to a Le Leche representative. Most of them will talk to you for free. Good luck.

Y.

If you really are not producing enough milk, do you think it has anything at all to do with your breast reduction? I just had a breast reduction this past August. My plastic surgeon told me that I would have a 50/50 chance of being able to breastfeed successfully after the surgery. He specifically mentioned that even though I might be able to produce milk, that the surgery is very extensive and could severely effect nursing. I was not at all concerned with that, because I'm 45 and do not plan on having any more children. But, we did talk quite a lot about how the surgery was done, and in relocating the nipples, removing breast tissue and basically rebuilding the breast, there certainly could be an effect on breastfeeding. I know that four months postop, I still have some sensation loss in areas of my breast, but that is slowly improving. How long ago was your surgery? Maybe you can talk with your plastic surgeon, as well as with a lactation consultant. Perhaps the plastic surgeon can recommend a consultant who has experience with nursing post breast reduction surgery.

I didn't produce enough either. It's devastating as a new mom to know that if your child depended solely on you that it would be malnurished. Thank heavens we live in a time where formula can be purchased at the store so that doesn't happen. At 10 weeks old, 4 oz a feeding is perfectly normal with the child eating every 2-3 hours. I found the best formula was Carnation Good Starts. It really is the one out there the most like breast milk. It's better tolerated by even milk allergy babies (as mine was). My daughter went back and forth from the formula and bottle to my breast for the first 3 months. After that, it was all bottle. She couldn't get enough and, despite all efforts, I had to start putting cereal in her bottle at just a few days old. While my oldest grew to to be a frail, sickly thing with only formula for the first 6 months (like the doctors said to do), my youngest grew up healthy through and through and perfect. She rarely catches anything - even when directly exposed - while my oldest catches everything. I don't listen to many doctors these days and feel that the instincts of the mom are more important in determining the child's needs. You learn what's a hungry cry - and if you hear it - acknowledge it. If you are hearing too frequent of them, they are not getting enough. Good luck.

Hi N.,

I for some reason could only produce little milk too, I would pump and only get 2oz, it never produced more than that. As my daughter was getting bigger she wanted more and I just couldn't pump enough for her. I had to supplement too, I used Goodstart with DHA/ARA (supplements found in breastmilk) in it and she she did great on that the only thing with giving them a bottle is that they like the bottle nipple and you can find yourself not being able to get them to latch on the breast. Next thing I know I couldn't produce a drop, I would try and try to pump but it became SOOOO painful. So she stayed on Goodstart until she was a year.

Don't stress out, these things happen. Your baby will still get the nutition they need. But you have to think about giving them the amount of food they need to grow and if your body is not doing that then you HAVE to take other means to do so.

Good luck and Congratulations!!!!
C.

I had a horrible time with breastfeeding. My daughter had to go back to the hospital at a week old because she was so dehydrated, she just wasn't getting enough. My milk also didn't come in until about 5 days after giving birth. She had jaundice, and had become very weak which made her reluctant to nurse. She also was described as the most willful baby the breastfeeding consultants had ever seen! We supplemented and I continued to try to breastfeed, but I just couldn't make enough milk. It was at the point where feeding time became crying time for both of us. I continued to try for the next month. The only thing that increased my milk supply was a marathon pumping spree, where I pumped every two hours on each breast for 20 minutes or so. It worked, but by the time I heard about trying it, my daughter had become so used to the bottle that she still refused to nurse. I would try that method, but remember that any breastmilk is better than no breastmilk. It would be perfectly fine to mix breastmilk and formula, and actually makes the formula easier to digest. As long as you keep pumping what you can, your son will still be getting your antibodies and some of the benefits of breastmilk. I know it's difficult and frustrating, but I know from experience that your son will be fine as long as he gets enough to eat, from whatever combination you end up with. I really believe that the stress and worry of the mother can be felt by the child, so the more you are able to relax, the better it will be for both of you. The type of pump you are using can make a difference too...I signed one out (for free) from the local WIC Office, and it worked much better than the one I had bought. My physician strongly discouraged adding cereal until the baby was older, she said it would be more difficult to digest and adding it too early could kickstart allergies later on. I hope this helps!

N., I am a mother of 2 boys. With each of them I could only produce 2 oz of milk at a time. I tried everything... I was nursing them and using a pump, too. I tried everything and just couldn't get my supply up. I supplemented with formula. It was really hard for me especially for the first one. You just have to remember you have to do what is best for your baby and that is to give them the most nutrition they need. I did use cereal in the bottle and it helped, too. Hope this helps. Congrats on the baby!!!

The same thing happened with me and my first child. What I learned later was that you never pump what they get from you. You can only pump so much and then for some reason it stops. In order to make more milk he would actually have to nurse non stop, but you would eventually start to make more. It is supply and demand. You will also find that with more children you make more milk (I know that does not really help you now). If it is possible for you at all to just focus on feeding him only through the breast and even if it takes him being attached literally ALL day I promise you will make more milk.

Hi N.,
Just a small response, I was the same way, pumping my heart out because I couldn't produce enough for my son or daughter! I was only getting an ounce or two from each breast. My doc told me to make sure I'm getting plenty of fluids, and also put me on REGLAN, he said that for some reason, they have found it to increase milk production. It didn't work for me and after 2 weeks he told me to give up. I did, I really wish I hadn't because I loved that bonding time, but my daughter was losing weight and wasn't thriving and once she was switched to formula, she did much better. Anyway, I'm not discouraging breast feeding at ALL, but wanted to throw the medication option in there. GOOD LUCK

Try Healthy Nursing Tea by secrets of tea. It`ll help to expand milk supply successively.
CONGRATS on your baby!!

N., I am sorry you are having a hard time! You are doing great though! I know some moms that had breast reduction surgery and also had a hard time pumping and wondering if the baby got enough milk. I STRONGLY suggest getting in touch with a lactation consultant. I know some in Philadelphia, but it looks like you are not in PA. So get in touch with one and they will watch you feed and do things like weigh him before and after feedings to see if he is getting enough milk with a very accurate scale. They will not only reassure you but help to make sure you are producing enough and give you more advice than any of us can. They are trained in understanding the breast, and know all about feeding after a reduction! It CAN be done, you may just need a little more guidance. Breastfeeding is the natural way, but that does not mean that it is comes naturally, you have to be taught! And it does not sound like the nurses really taught you!!! Good luck and if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me! Oh one more thing, I have been told by several nurses and doctors that the cereal in the milk is an old wives tale-plus it does not have the nutrition that they get from the milk so if he is not getting enough milk, you could be depriving him of milk because he is full from the cereal!!!

The way you judge if he is eating enough is if he is gaining weight. You shouldn't put cereal in his bottle his digestive system is not mature enough to handle it. As far as pumping only 2 oz....if it is after you feed him that is totally acceptable. He should be draining your breasts with every feeding. As far as how much he should be eating, my 3 and 1/2 month old will eat a 6 oz bottle of breats milk at a really good feeding. So I think 4 oz is acceptable. In order to increase your milk supply be sure to drink lots of water and try pumping after every feeding to increase overall production (milk production is supply and demand).

Congrates on your new addition. Please keep up with the breast feeding it is not only good for your child but it does wonders for you too. When my daughter was first born i couldnt even pump 1/4 of an OZ. And now at 4 1/2 months the max I have ever pumped was 4 oz.{now we are back down to 3 oz} It all depends on what the baby needs right now. Your bodies are in harmony and knows what the other one wants. Only be concered about weight loss or not gaining any. There is a chart at your doctors office to tell if everything is on track.

N.,
Sounds like you have gotten alot of awesome advice! I am a mother of six who has breastfed all of my kids. Some were easier than others. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that folks like Drs. who do not have a lot of experience with nursing moms tend to tell you the science side of things. They need things to be black and white. And since breastfeeding isn't something that isn't an exact science, it makes them uncomfortable. What Cassandra was saying about how Drs. and nurses need to measure what the baby's eating to see if the baby's had enough is so true. My guess would be that they really haven't had much experience with nursing. Remember...you're the Mom...you know what's best for your baby. You will be able to tell if something's not right. My experience with it...hasn't been all easy. For one, all of my kids had to get used to latching on, as my nipples are alittle on the large side. It took time and patience in helping them figure it out. Then they had to figure out the whole sucking thing. My one son even lost weight because of this difficulty. But I supplemented with some formula. It didn't hurt my supply at all. I would still nurse some feedings too...so he would get used to the breast. I didn't have any problems with bottle confusion or him not wanting to nurse and just use the bottle. Again it took some patience but once he had the sucking reflex down and was able to latch on better...I found he didn't want the bottle he preferred me. Formula has more calories and will put weight on faster than breastmilk. It's also made to be heavier...thus making the baby feel full with less. Meaning 2 oz. of formula may fill him up and be more satisfying where as it may take more with breastmilk. Since breastmilk isn't easily measured, alot of folks have their own opinions as it must not be enough. Not true. Breastmilk does what it needs to do. And it's been my experience too that they don't always just drink...they like to snuggle and just lightly suck...so they may not be drinking thus it takes longer to feed them. My kids would eat a little then snuggle a little even fall asleep occasionally. The best thing I can tell you is...don't stress out over it. Stress isn't good for you either as it hinders you to be able to nurse. Just relax as you nurse. Remember it is a new thing for you too. It will take a little time for you to get used to it too. I think others mentioned that the way you can tell if he's getting enough is gaining of weight...number of wetting and poopy diapers. Remember newborns grow quickly...they hit a few different growth spurts early. So there will be some periods where he may eat more than other times.
As for adding cereal...my experience has been it may be a little early. Baby's digestive system isn't ready to digest cereal that early. My pediatrican always tells me it's weight that signals the time for cereal. When a baby is drinking alot and doesn't seem satisfied with just milk then it's time to add cereal. That's usually around 12 lbs.
Another thing you were concerned about...producing enough. Do you drink alot of water before or during nursing? By drinking alot, I found it helped tremendously in helping me produce enough milk. We sometimes don't think we need any extra but we do to keep up with the demand. There are also herbs you can take to help boost production. Sorry, I don't remember the names of the herbs at the moment. I will look them up and post it later. Enjoy your new year with your little guy! Things will get better feeding wise!

They told me that when I came to the NICU with two oz that that was an awesome amount. The more you give her breast milk the more you will have... I give her babyfood, little people food and breastmilk. She has breastmilk like ten fifteen times and day and I don't feel heavy anymore but I get FULL and I mean having to change pads sometimes every two hours! and she is now in her second week of her 7th month of life now. She was 8.3 at birth and it now 19.0lbs and the doctor phrais for me being a good mom and that my milk is really good and helping her grow. Listen for the baby to GULP when you are feeding and if the baby is you have enough milk and feed whenever the baby is ready literally anytime! With formula I did that but only like 16 oz a day and then breastmilk from there. You can always pump into a bottle then give it to your son cause that way he could eat but yet you would know how much he was eating. Walmart has pumps for like 50.00 I think it is! If you try the pump thing let me know how it goes - D.

Every mom wonders if they are making enough milk to feed their baby.

Under "normal" (every baby and mommy are different) circumstances, breastmilk is a supply and demand kind of thing. Milk production goes up and down depending on baby's appetite and whether or not the milk is supplemented with formula.

In your case, when you consider your surgery, pumping 2oz of breastmilk is pretty good. Don't be so hard on yourself. Keep pumping. Keep baby at your breast.

Yes, breastmilk is best. Give your baby every drop you can. However, in this case you have to supplement with formula or else your baby won't grow like s/he should. 2 oz per feeding at 10 weeks is not enough.

Don't feel badly about yourself. Supplement, don't totally replace, your milk. Feed your baby with your shirt open and at your breast. If this confuses your baby, have your husband (or someone else) feed the supplements.

When my baby was 1 week old, I had a blood clot and bleed in my brain after a seizure. My baby got supplements after the milk I pumped ran out. Not everything works out as planned. As dissapointing as it is not to produce enough milk, the most important thing is that you make sure your baby is fed enough each time.

Your still a good mom if you supplement. Don't let anyone tell you any different.

Don't give up! You are doing a great job! Even if you do supplement some, you are still breastfeeding and giving your child the only immune system he has right now. On another note, I breastfed my daughter for 13 months, I tried to pump a couple of times and never could get more than 2 oz. If your son is at the breast all day, then he is probably draining you and for you to pump 2 oz. on top of that is awesome. I am sure you can give your baby enough but I know how stressful it is to worry.

Just because you are pumping 2 oz. does not necessarily mean that is what your son is getting while nursing. The pump is not as efficient as your baby at getting the milk out. Also, try to relax as much as possible while pumping. It really does make a difference. I found that when I was worried about how many ounces I was getting, I would pump less. Just breathe deeply, relax, and think about your baby!

I would recommend that you speak to a lactation consultant. That way, you know you are speaking to someone who truly supports your choice to breastfeed. Sometimes switching to formula is the "easy" answer to a breastfeeding dilemma for some doctors and nurses. That may not be your only option. The best indicator as to how much milk you are producing is how many wet/dirty diapers your baby is producing and how well he is growing. Is his doctor concerned about his growth? He may be at your breast all day simply because it is comforting to him. My second daughter would have nursed all day if I let her--she was growing just fine, so I think it was more of a comfort than true hunger. A lactation consultant can help you determine if your son's diaper output is on target and can also give you some advice for increasing your supply. Also check out the forums on La Leche League's web site. There is so much information there. Good luck!

I went through the same thing, and we actually didn't start (my daughter and I) getting the hang of nursing until around then. When I pumped, I would only get about an ounce. To find out what you are REALLY producing, nurse at the doctor's office after your son has been weighed. Then weigh him again when you are done. No matter what, the baby will ALWAYS get more from you by nursing than the pump will. Though I would only be able to pump about one ounce, she'd get 4-5 per feeding. If nursing is important to you, try only nursing for a few days...no pumping and no formula. It will seem like your son wants to nurse all the time (esp. in about 2 weeks...he'll hit a growth spurt). This will build your milk supply. As far as if he is eating enough....does he have at least 6 wet diapers per day? Another thing to look for is to lightly rub your hand across his soft spot. If it is sunken more often than not, he could be dehydrated. Also, if he is gaining weight at a steady pace, he is fine. To help the process, reduce or eliminate the amount of caffeine you take in, and increase drinking water, milk, juice etc. Even gatorade is good. You can also try mother's milk tea, sold at GNC, or a supplement called fenugreek. Adding cereal to a bottle usually isn't a good idea. And don't stress about having to give him formula once in a while. Some breast milk is better than none. You mentioned a caregiver. Are you able to pump while you are away from your son? Pumping more often might help.
Good luck.

WOW, Cassandra hit it right on the nose!You have gotten great advice.From a mother who enjoyed every second of breastfeeding, and from a woman who loved being the human pacifier, KEEP IT UP!You are doing a great job.I will tell you that from a baby(my daughter) who only drank 2oz every 2hrs at your sons age, she was doing great!At 11 months, she wasnt even drinking four oz bottles.I mean the girl just wouldnt drink anymore than that, and she was above avg in weight and height.I always thought she wasnt getting enough, but I was dead wrong.LOL.I pumped in the morning before she woke up(Like 6am), and then I breastfed her all day.I only pumped at most twice a day, because the baby is what is going to get your milk going, not pumping.I also tried one glass of dark beer at night, and I drank 6-8 cups of Mothers milk tea(which I thought was yummy if I may say).I also wouldnt put the rice in the bottle.I honestly think that is a big NO NO.Sorry for my bluntness.He is way to young anyhow.Just a filler anyways, and it is not what he needs.He needs to be full on your milk, not rice.Dont feel bad about supplementing, I had too like once or twice a day, but I breastfed, even for comfort reasons, and also when I did notice she was weaning herself, she still needed it during nap and bed.He is still young, and may need the breast more to feel soothed.No big deal.As long as he is gaining weight and the doctors are glad to see his progress, dont be alarmed.

Hi, did you ever research breastfeeding before you had your son? I did and in the books that I read it said that some nurses would try to tell me that I wasn't producing enough milk when in reality the first few days there is no milk. I can't remember now everything that they said but in the beginning I had problems with breastfeeding and I called a woman from La Leche League. I can't even tell you how knowledgeable she was and how much she helped me. The nurses in the hospital are great but they don't know about breastfeeding. Most of them just want your baby to stop crying. When I was in the hospital I told them absolutely NO formula or pacifier. The next morning when my son didn't come into my room all night I saw formula bottles and pacifiers in my son's bassinet. I had no problem the first time he ate but after that night he was so confused it was a nightmare. Find someone that knows about breastfeeding, I suggest La Leche but there are other groups. Capital Health System gives Breastfeeding Seminars at Babies R Us, you may be able to find the woman who gives them and talk to her. Any supplementing will sabotage your efforts but you have to feed your baby. Don't give up though. First of all, you need to relax when you try to pump. The stress could be causing your problems with getting milk. Second, you will need to pump often if you want to produce more milk. Are you using a picture of your baby or your baby himself when you are pumping? I found a picture of my son and a warm rag on the breast helped with letdown. I can't help you with adding cereal to the breastmilk, I've never done it. I don't see how it would hurt as long as your son is ready for it. Did you ask your pediatrician? 10 weeks sounds a little early. As much as you want to breastfeed you can't be hard on yourself. You are a good mom for even trying so hard. Breastfeeding is tough in the beginning for anyone and alot of moms give up. You are doing everything you can and that's great. Are these doctors that are telling you how many ounces talking specifically about breastmilk? Some doctors don't know much about breastfeeding, and how much formula fed babies eat and breastfed babies are two very different things. I was very fortunate to have a great bunch of doctors. They told me to watch for wet diapers and regular bowel movements. Are you changing your son often enough? If you are then chances are he is probably just hitting a growth spurt, these things happen. When you don't supplement does he still need regular diaper changes? Maybe if you tried only breastmilk for a few days you can build up your supply....I had times where I thought my son wasn't getting enough but it only took a few days for my milk to catch up. I am not sure how bad your situation is and I would never suggest starving your child. But if you truly want to increase your supply you will probably need to stop supplementing. My husband gave my son ONE bottle when he was around that age and it took me a week to get us both back on track. My son was so confused it made things very difficult. Have patience and don't be hard on yourself if things don't work out. You sound like a great mom.