I have a 4 month old and I am exclusively breast feeding her. I have returned to work since last month and I express milk for her when I am away. As per my doctor, the expressed milk will be good for 8 hrs in room temperature and for upto 24 hrs when refrigerated. But many of the people whom I spoke to are strongly against using the expressed milk beyond 4 or 5 hrs even when refrigerated. This includes the consultant in the company from where I got the breast pump and a creche supervisor.

I am very confused. Can someone tell me if there is any truth in what the consultant and the supervisor say. Currently, I express just when I am leaving for work and I come home for the same during my lunch. This gets me stressed and I am unable to produce enough milk at times.

Also, how much milk will a four monnth old take per feed. Mel replied. 8 hours is too long for milk to last without refrigeration, whether it is Cow' s milk, formula or breastmilk.

Why don' t you express milk and refrigerate before leaving for work. Then in the afternoon, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds, shake the bottle to make sure the temperature is even & then give her. That would be as good as freshly expressed milk.

Don' t be stressed. You will do fine. About quantity, uptil the age of 6 months, 24 - 32 oz of milk daily is the norm, though some babies will have less or more. This figure is for the average caucasian (white) baby, who are generally larger than asian babies. So, approximately 20 oz should be fine, with a little deviation. But, don' t force her to finish the bottle. Let her have as much as she wants and discard the leftover milk from the bottle.