Is my milk reducing?

[Peanut78]

Hi all, I am a total novice to bf' ing so please excuse what may be a stupid question...

My LO is 6 days old and has been bf-ing well (at least I think so).

Yesterday and today the appreance of my breasts is much less "full" and they feel less hard. There is still milk coming out when I squeeze them.

I have also started to test my breast pump and frozen a little breast milk (not to give him now, but just in case I one day should need it!). The first day I did this I got a quarter of the bottle full before I stopped. Yetserday when I tried there was some in the bottle, but much, much less.

Basically i am concerned my milk is reducing, and if so is there something I can do to prevent this...?

Aprreciate any advice...

xx

 

[asacia]

Congrats on the birth of your baby boy!

First things first, pumping isn't ever a good indication of your milk supply. Women react differently to pumps, and the amount you can pump often varies. It is totally normal for a woman who is exclusively breastfeeding to only pump 1/2 oz at a time. Your baby is much more effecient than a pump, and can always get more. Things like stress, discomfort and worry about the amount can also affect how much you can pump. Have a read here: https://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html#normal

The swollen, engorged feeling is normal at first, but once your supply regulates, you often don't feel swollen and heavy. Its also normal for leaking to reduce. At first, your body doesn't know how much milk you'll need, so it makes plenty. Your body soon learns what the baby needs, and you start to produce that much. Your boobs may feel empty, but they aren't! Have a read:
https://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/breast-fullness.html

If your baby is having lots of wet and dirty nappies and is gaining weight, there isn't any need to worry.

You are doing great!

 

[MrsBop]

Asacia is right, I've been breastfeeding for 14 weeks now and could pump only 2oz at first and now can't pump anything but a dribble! My boobs only ever feel heavy and a bit lumpy if DD's either changed her feed or missed one.

You are doing great, believe in yourself hun!