help! have I run out of milk?!

[stourhead]

LO is 11 days old and has now been awake for the last 8 hrs, with 2 20 min snoozes. He has been feeding every half hour or so.

I figure this is probably a growth spurt but I'm worried I've run out of milk - both breasts are now soft, and if I squeeze I don't get any milk out.

Hes had lots of wet nappies and poos today but I'm wondering if I should use formula tonight as I'm worried I'm now not giving him enough milk - he doesn't seem satisified on feeding now.

Should I just carry on? Or should I use formula for this evening?

x

 

[Pixoletta]

You can never run out of milk! Baby always finds milk when feeding. My son would feed every hour or less up until 15 weeks and i know it's tiring but keep at it ^^ You're doing so well.

 

[Tilliepink]

I would say carry on, the only way you get your supply up is to nurse (or pump).

 

[Lownthwaite]

LO is 11 days old and has now been awake for the last 8 hrs, with 2 20 min snoozes. He has been feeding every half hour or so.

I figure this is probably a growth spurt but I'm worried I've run out of milk - both breasts are now soft, and if I squeeze I don't get any milk out.

Hes had lots of wet nappies and poos today but I'm wondering if I should use formula tonight as I'm worried I'm now not giving him enough milk - he doesn't seem satisified on feeding now.

Should I just carry on? Or should I use formula for this evening?

x

Carry on breastfeeding - I can gaurantee you DO have milk. It is totally normal for your breasts to feel softer after the initial engorgement.

Do NOT offer formula as this WILL cause you to have supply issues.

Let baby feed as often as they want to - baby is uping your supply to the level they need and they do this by feeding alot. It is all totally normal.

Stick at it - you're doing great!!

 

[kerrie24]

Carry on-your breasts may feel sof but there is still milk in there,and your baby is feeding more to tell your body to produce more milk.Feeding formula tonight would mean your baby will bf less and so your supply will drop.

You are doing great,and you can sustain your baby

 

[patch2006uk]

The emptier your breasts are, the less milk is collected in your breasts, the higher the fat content of the feed.

Keep feeding that baby!

 

[stourhead]

Thanks ladies. Is it normal for him to be feeding this frequently, and to be awake for this long? Just feeling a bit clueless (and tired!)

x

 

[patch2006uk]

Thanks ladies. Is it normal for him to be feeding this frequently, and to be awake for this long? Just feeling a bit clueless (and tired!)

x

Unfortunately, yes it is. Try and sleep as much as you can over the next few weeks. The first 6 weeks of BFing are difficult - there are several growth spurts, your baby isn't cooperative, you're tired and possibly sore. Hang in there, it will get better. We're here too if you ever need some moral support

 

[shalagirl]

I was told at a bfing group that much of your milk is actually made while the baby is feeding so keep feeding it may not feel like it but the milk will be there for the baby as he feeds.

 

[KarenMc]

Good job mummy, nursing lying down can help get some much needed rest