How do you know when a breast is empty?

At1stsight

Everything I've read says to offer both breasts during a feed, offering the second once LO empties the first. I can't tell when one is empty though. Do you 'feel' it's empty, assume it is if LO unlatches, listen for slower swallowing, actually check if you can still milk it? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm really confused. Each time I've tried to offer the second b/c I think the first might be done, DS just quits feeding.

luvmagoldn

I listen for the swallowing to stop and watch for DS to start pulling or getting fussy.  I can also tell if his suck changes - if I can feel his tongue I know he's searching and switch him to the other side.

tuxcat

and remember that his stomach is really tiny! preemie tiny!

as he grows, you may need to offer the second, because he'll be able to eat more...

14years

If you compress the breast near the nipple and don't get any milk, then it's empty.  Seemed strange to me at first, but it's really the only way I could tell.

FWIW, DS was always a one-sider, until about a year old.

Knitty

If they delatch or fall asleep or just slow right down and start dozing, you can offer the second. And when they do the same there you can go back to the first one again. It takes you about 20 minutes to refill.