Breastfeeding

Are breasts ever empty?

Do I have to wait for my breasts to fill with milk again before breastfeeding my LO? I feel like he's not getting enough because I don't have any milk left for him and since he's been feeding so much lately I feel like he's not eating enough or getting enough from me. He's three weeks old so I'm assuming it's a growth spurt? I feel like he's not gaining any weight though. Everyone tells me he's so little :( I feel so discouraged when people tell me that, especially because I feel like my DS doesn't even recognize me as his mother. Breastfeeding has been hard and I've considered giving up and just formula feeding but I've come too far. I really wanna keep going!

Re: Are breasts ever empty?

  • Nope you don't ever have to wait, and your breasts are continually making milk. Its common for babies to nurse when it feels like there is no milk during growth spurts, this is how your body knows to make more. Usually after a few days of cluster feeding at what feels like empty breasts, your body catches up and your supply increases and your baby will go back to normal nursing. Some babies are just little. If you have serious concerns, ask your pedi if you can bring him in for a weight check or find an LC that will let you do a weighed feeding. If he is having plenty of wet/poopy diapers though and he is reasonably content aside from a few hours of cluster feeding a day, then he is likely just fine.
  • Loading the player...
  • The more baby nurses, the more milk you'll produce.  It is likely a growth spurt at that age -- just let him nurse and you'll see an increase in a day or two.  As long as he is consistently gaining at least 0.5oz per day then he is within a healthy range.

  • Boobs are like leaky faucets, never empty. 3 weeks is a typical growth spurt, and his behavior sounds normal. You're doing a good job.
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"