How the milk production works

[MGardner]

My DS2 is 6 weeks old. I'm trying desperately to get on a schedule but we have just come home from a trip so we are all thrown off now. So, I am having let downs about 15-20 minutes prior to me feeding him and sometimes in between feedings. Does he miss out on that milk? Does that mean I will have less milk for him when he is ready? I leak a little but does the rest go to waste? Should I pump when that happens? I don't have a ton of milk at all times of the day, I can feel when I have a lot (morning) and when I don't (afternoon and bedtime). I had always felt like I had milk supply issues with DS1 as well so I'm a little paranoid about it. Sometimes it seems like he is pulling at my nipple as if to get more but its empty, and that makes me feel terrible.

[RachelC]

{{{hugs}}}

Please rest assured that he is not missing out on that milk.  Milk is continuously made as you are feeding and you are never *truly* empty.  If you feel as though he is looking for more at a feed, you can try breast compressions to help the flow http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=88759.0

How long is he going between feeds?

[Jocasta]

the key thing to remember here is to just nurse, nurse, nurse.

i recommend that you try switch nursing.  let your lo nurse until he comes off.  then put him to the second breast. when he's done with that, put him back to the first etc.  you can do this as ofte and for as long as your lo will allow - this especially helps for late afternoon and evening feeds when people often experience less of a supply. 

Prolactin levels are at their highest for evening and night time feeds.  As such, you really should try not to introduce a bottle during these feeds (even of ebm), as prolactin levels in the early days dictate your ability to maintain a supply in the longterm.  I know it's draining and can be really stressful but try to let your lo nurse for as long as possible.  Things will level out.  hugs honey

[bzerk5]

There is a ton of info about how milk production works on kellymom.com if you want to check that out.  It will get better, just keep nursing!  Easier said than done, I know.  You can do it! 

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

hi sending some hugs, i remeber how draining it can feel at times but like pp's have already said feed feed feed. At 6 weeks i felt my supply was really low and my lo wasn't gaining as well as he should i did a week of 'cluster feeding' which was feeding every 1.5hrs 10 mins each side trying to get in as many feeds in the day as i could then nwings on top of that and by the end of the week my DS has gained 8 oz its hard work but god i felt good

HTH
Kate x

[lisi's mum]

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html that's the kellymom link

[MGardner]

thanks guys. I can't just relax about milk production. I just feel so responsible for his survival and thus dependant on this supply. He can usually go 2.5-3 hours between feeds but sometimes it is less and its usually after a feed that I know he couldn't have eaten that much.

[lisi's mum]

It is an intimidating feeling, and tbh one that never quite goes away no matter how many times you hear "relax, it's fine"

There are some key things to look for:

•   looks healthy and alert
•   has good muscle tone
•   good skin elasticity
•   at least six to eight wet nappies per day
•   light coloured urine
•   has a creamy consistency to their poos (if infrequent then a decent quantity, and soft)
•   a slow but steady weight gain
•   Mother has a good let down

Warning signs (possible failure to thrive)
•   apathetic or crying a lot
•   slack muscle tone
•   bad skin elasticity (papery, dry skin that if pinched stays crinkly)
•   few wet nappies

sometimes even if the milk's there your baby won't necessarily take all that much but then make up for it on another feed. Going anywhere over 2 hours at this age is fine, though many may want to feed more often particuarly in the evenings. At the moment don't worry too much about how long since the last feed, if he's showing hunger cues then feed - the frequent stimulation at this time is the very best thing you can do for your long term milk supply.

You're doing great!
•   dark, strong smelling urine
•   rare poos (after the 1st 6 weeks up to once every 14 days is within the realms of normal) and then very little and hard
•   Mother has problems with milk let down
•   very variable weight gain

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

top up of hugs hun If hes going 2.5-3hrs he must be getting enough