Sometimes hear lots of milk...other times not?

[ready2bamum]

is this normal...I am 7 days into a very rocky BF journey (gave my baby formula on day 2.. but since then completely committed to BF. Baby had lost just over 10% on Sunday when weighed for the first time. C section birth. I feel over the last 2 days that suddenly something has shifted, my boobs hurt less and latching seems to be better. Sometimes I can hear my boobs chugging milk into her (which is such a satisfying sound) but I am looking for that sound at every feed and not always getting it....just occasionally. She also gets really lazy on the boob and ends up just falling asleep, but then when you take her off, she is rooting looking for another boob again....im worried my supply may be low or something...is it normal to hear this chugging sound on some feeds but not on all...????..xx

 

[susannah14]

I would say the chugging sound usually happens just after the first let down. This is when the most milk is released and the flow is fastest. Since the amount of milk you have fluctuates during the day, I think it's reasonable that you wouldn't hear chugging at every feed.

The more important indicator is weight gain and wet and dirty diapers.

I remember my son getting lazy at the boob too, it's totally normal for newborns to do that. They get sleepy and then remember they are still hungry. There are lots of ways to try to keep them awake, like tickling them.

It sounds like you are doing great...I had to give my baby formula on day 3, because of many problems, but like you I was totally committed. And since that day, my 18 month old has had nothing but breastmilk and water. No formula, no cow's milk, nothing but mama's milkies. It seems so hard right now but I promise it gets easier!!

 

[hakunamatata]

I feel your pain. My first was a c-section, and she lost a bit over 10% of her weight, had to supplement with a little formula. I went back to exclusively breastfeeding until 6 weeks then quit because I was exhausted. I wish I had stuck it out because it gets so much easier after 6 weeks and have heard loads of other people say the same. Like the pp said, record wet and dirty diapers. Best indicators. Congrats on your newborn!!

 

[BigAl]

I would just be looking at weight gain, and number of wet/dirty nappies. It sounds like you are doing fine though, upto 10% loss is normal for first week. Just try tickling babies feet, or blowing on her face to keep her awake for a bit more milk. Good luck.

 

[brandonsgirl]

Sounds completely normal to me. I went to a lactation specialist and she mentioned the chugging and gulping of milk is the initial letdown. And then when baby seems as if they arent getting much or swallowing less frequently, if the more fatty milk that is important to help with weight gain etc. If your worried, you could do breast compressions during the less chuggy moments. That helps bring the fatty milk forward.

Like others have said... if baby is gaining weight and producing a good amount of wet/dirty nappies then your doing a good job