Can you tell if your boobies are empty?

Discussion in 'Breastfeeding' started by Chellebelle, Apr 12, 2009.

  1. Chellebelle

    Chellebelle mummy to Simeon

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    I got Simeon weighed last week, and he has always been on the dark middle line in the little red book, but when I got him weighed last week he has dropped under it. The health visitor said not to worry and "you don't want a fat baby anyway do you" but I have been worrying that I am no longer producing enough milk or I am just not feeding him enough.

    Since then, I have found myself getting back into feeding every chance I get during the day and when he has his last big feed before bed, I worry that he isn't getting enough. He feeds for about 10 mins, then crys and I feel like he has emptied one side, so he goes on the other, and it is the same again.

    This might sound silly, but is there a way that you can tell if your boobs are 'empty'? :blush: if I know that they are then I might try offering him a bottle to complementary feed at night, but if they aren't then I know that he is just being fussy and a bit colicky.
     
    #1 Chellebelle, Apr 12, 2009
  2. Mervs Mum

    Mervs Mum Doula & Mum of 3!

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    Mine feel exactly the same all the time now....I think at 3 months they wont be filling and emptying the same now - they will produce on demand. Mine only feel 'full' first thing in the morning now....and even then they arent hard or nobbly anymore :(

    Have you seen the WHO BF based charts at the top of the board?
     
    #2 Mervs Mum, Apr 12, 2009
  3. Beltane

    Beltane Mother of 3 Boys!

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    Mine almost always feel empty but then before I know it, it's like a sprinkler all over the place. My ta-ta's are totally messing with me.
     
    #3 Beltane, Apr 12, 2009
  4. Chel

    Chel Well-Known Member

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    I can usually tell cos I've just shrunk from a DD cup to a C cup!

    Also, watching Jasper feed... the suck to swallow ratio goes up as the boobie empties.

    At the start of the feed he's going *suck* *swallow* *suck* *swallow* *suck* *swallow*

    And when the boobie is empty he goes *suck* *suck *suck*.... *suck* *suck*.... *swallow*...
     
    #4 Chel, Apr 13, 2009
  5. Sarah88

    Sarah88 Full time working mummy

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    Hun, I wouldn't give him a bottle if you want to successfully bf. Your breasts won't get the message to produce more milk, it's a downward cycle
     
    #5 Sarah88, Apr 13, 2009
  6. marley2580

    marley2580 Well-Known Member

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    I agree with Chel, if he's still nursing but not swallowing as often then the milk is likely getting a bit low. But there's no reason for your milk to be running out, you've fed successfully for 3 months, it's unlikely you have a supply problem.
     
    #6 marley2580, Apr 13, 2009
  7. carries

    carries Mother of two under two!

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    I have this sometimes and think they are empty but if you can keep putting him back on the same boob then after a few sucks followed by winges because he isnt getting anything the milk starts to flow again. Your boobs work differently after 3 months and it isnt like an empty then wait to fill thing. Your letdown should produce more milk if you keep getting him to carry on suckling.
     
    #7 carries, Apr 13, 2009
  8. emma_27

    emma_27 Well-Known Member

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    My boobs never get that full feeling anymore even when in the morning but when it comes to feeding time its there. Ellie had a drop on the lines as well but then 4 weeks later she was back up way above it so i wouldnt worry to much.
     
    #8 emma_27, Apr 13, 2009
  9. milkmachine

    milkmachine Formally uv

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    i think mine are empty then i squeeze and they squirt...so i dont know really....
     
    #9 milkmachine, Apr 13, 2009
  10. Chellebelle

    Chellebelle mummy to Simeon

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    Thank you everyone, I feel more reassured now. I have a few tips and tricks to use now and it's good to know I am not the only one who gets that feeling.

    Lisa - I'll have a look at that thread in a min - thank you :)

    I am also thinking of trying a little baby rice before bed now just to help as he is almost 4 months - but I'll see how it goes. :)

    xxx
     
    #10 Chellebelle, Apr 13, 2009
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