Hi Norma
KENT, J. C., MITOULAS, L. R., CREGAN, M. D., RAMSAY, D. T., DOHERTY, D. A. &
HARTMANN, P. E. (2006) Volume and Frequency of Breastfeedings and Fat
Content of Breast Milk Throughout the Day. Pediatrics, 117, e387-395.
This paper demonstrates that where a mother is exclusively breastfeeding,
milk volume is almost static between one month and six months of age.  The
range of normal is much larger than expected (400 - 1400mls/24hrs) - all the
babies were thriving.  Individual feed volumes ranged from 0 - 240mls and
averaged around 70mls.
Kent JC, Mitoulas LR, Cox DB, Owens RA, Hartmann PE. Breast volume and milk
production during extended lactation
in women. Exp Physiol. 1999;84:435–447
Quantitative measurements were made of relative breast volume and milk
production from
1 month of lactation until 3 months after weaning, and the storage capacity
of the breasts was
calculated. The increase in breast tissue volume from before conception
until 1 month of lactation
was maintained for the first 6 months of lactation (means ± s.e.m.) (190·3 ±
13·1 ml, number of
breasts, nb = 46). During this period of exclusive breast-feeding, 24 h milk
production from
each breast remained relatively constant (453·6 ± 20·1 g, nb = 48), and
storage capacity was
209·9 ± 11·0 ml (nb = 46). After 6 months, breast volume, milk production
and storage capacity
all decreased. There was a relationship between 24 h milk production and the
storage capacity of
the breasts, and these both appeared to be responding to infant demand for
milk. At 15 months of
lactation, the 24 h milk production of each breast was substantial (208·0 ±
56·7 g, nb = 6), even
though the breasts had returned to preconception size. This was associated
with an apparent
increased efficiency of the breast (milk production per unit breast tissue)
after 6 months, which
may have been due to redistribution of tissues within the breast. The
possible causes of the
decrease in breast volume are discussed.
Without wishing to roll out a chestnut, this research and the research upon
which it is founded have led me to the conclusion that there is no evidence
to support the use of AC/PC weights in lactation management (some thriving
babies take 0mls at some feeds; some take 240mls and there is no way to know
which kid or which feed you have in front of you).
Happy reading
Nina Berry
Australia

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