Can you tell if your boobies are empty?

[Chellebelle]

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'? 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.

 

[Mervs Mum]

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?

 

[Beltane]

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.

 

[Chel]

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*...

 

[Sarah88]

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

 

[marley2580]

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.

 

[carries]

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.

 

[emma_27]

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.

 

[milkmachine]

i think mine are empty then i squeeze and they squirt...so i dont know really....

 

[Chellebelle]

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