How many ounces should a 6 week old eat?

Question

I feed my baby 4.5 ounces of breastmilk every 3-4 hours, and after he eats he cries. After 5 minutes, he stops crying, sometimes it takes longer, but I'm afraid I'm not feeding him enough. Once in awhile he spits up a good amount (maybe 1/4 once - 1/2 ounce), so I'm afraid I'm overfeeding at those times, but when he cries, it seems like he wants more. He always finishes his bottle of 4.5 ounces with no hesitation. He's almost 11lbs. now.

Answer 1

He may be frustrated that the bottle is empty and wanting some more. If there's more than just the 4.5 ounces in the bottle, he'll have more of a choice when to stop eating.  I'm assuming that you're not nursing directly because of Dr.'s orders. But if it's not, and this is personal preference, then maybe let him nurse directly, and see if that changes things. Don't worry about the spitting up. Esp. since it sounds like he's gaining nicely. also change the timing to 2-3 hours instead of 3-4.

Answer 2

He could be getting gas from the bottle.  Also, with bottles, babies can't "choose" how much milk they suck out.  Sometimes they want to comfort suck, if they do this with a bottle, they HAVE to eat. (as opposed to a breast where that can comfort suck without taking any or little milk)  So, try a paci after he eats.

Answer 3

firstly,when you feed him,you must make sure that your baby is not eating anything like no drinking for an hour.if he keeps crying just ignore it.then you set a time when will you feed him...then,you must feed him from that time untill your baby burp.then you can sleep him...

Answer 4

The amount of breast milk he is drinking and times you're feeding him should be fine. Urination and bowel movements are a good indicator that he is getting plenty to eat. Check his diapers - Six soaking wet (not just wet) diapers in a 24 hour period, and you can be sure that he is getting a lot of milk.

Without your becoming obsessive about it, also try monitoring the frequency and quantity of bowel movements. This is one of the best ways of knowing if he is getting enough milk. After the end of the first week he should be passing at least 2-3 substantial yellow stools each day.

If he is feeding regularly, and filling up diapers then you are doing fine... Just make sure you're "burping him? Gas pains could be causing him to cry and spit up.