Would I know if I had a supply issue?

[<Catherine>]

I don't feel 'full' anymore, other than overnight. I feel 'emptier' once he's fed, and he seems happy enough when feeding, but he isn't gaining weight like he was. HV isn't concerned or anything, and I don't think I am, but I'm just not convinced he's getting enough (but not sure why I think that!).

What are the signs?

[mcruari]

you could always weigh before and after a feed as a guide

[cuckoochick]

Is he getting more distracted feeder hun? G is a nightmare at the minute? Also I know B has been short napping could this be having an effect on your E? I know with G our E's are getting squashed too close and things are going to pot but then she makes up for it at night!

Also remember at this stage it really is a supply and demand issue. I never feel full these days. Also B is becoming more active. I'd say if he is gaining albeit a little more slowly and is happy and thriving then you're likely fine but you could always indulge in a few hobnobs! Xxx

[<Catherine>]

you could always weigh before and after a feed as a guide

Gosh, didn't realise it would be that simple! New to this bf'ing stuff..... 

Also I know B has been short napping could this be having an effect on your E?

Well the naps aren't too bad now, and I still tried to keep his feeds spaced. I would say hes getting more distracted whilst feeding though.

I'd say if he is gaining albeit a little more slowly and is happy and thriving then you're likely fine but you could always indulge in a few hobnobs!

He is so happy, doesn't appear hungry between feeds or anything. And comes off the breast on his own mainly, unless hes just messing, yk? I will get on the hob nobs though.....for B's sake, of course 

[cuckoochick]

Well sounds like you're doing great. C's weight gain slowed at this age. G is just a greedy guzzler though!

[<Catherine>]

Yeah I think we probably are tbh, think this is all in my head! I don't have huge boobs so I think I struggle to think he's getting enough from them!

I'm also a control freak, so not knowing what he's taking is hard for me to accept I guess.

[mcruari]

I'm also a control freak, so not knowing what he's taking is hard for me to accept I guess.

OK, scrap what I said about weighing then 

[<Catherine>]

Quote (selected)
I'm also a control freak, so not knowing what he's taking is hard for me to accept I guess.
OK, scrap what I said about weighing then 

Ha! Yes, I'm going to be on the scales all day long now!

[cuckoochick]

You'll obviously need to get B weighed every now and again for his ranitidine dose (we've found once per monthish) so that will give you an idea. My old HV advised not to have C weighed anymore than that as they don't grow in a straight line and having them done more regularly can make there look like there's slow growth etc. That said the HVs will advise you hun and if they become concerned will probably recommend more regular weighing but likely as not you'll be doing fine.

I know what you mean about wondering what they are getting though. I've wondered loads with G because her sleep is so rubbish but she is happy and thriving. Your body is just amazing at adjusting to what B needs and when the next growth spurt hits then you'll probably know! Try not to worry- easier said than done I know!

[cuckoochick]

With the weighing hun you'd weigh B before and after a feed. Xxx

[<Catherine>]

Yeah, he's only being weighed on immunisation days at the moment, so once a month, because I work on clinic days. He dropped off his curve a month ago but had been unwell so I wasn't surprised, so I guess when he was weighed today and is still sitting on the curve below I was a bit surprised. The HV did say it wasn't anything to worry about though.

With the weighing hun you'd weigh B before and after a feed. Xxx

Oh god, what a numpty! I thought I'd be weighing myself before and after a feed! I've almost just laughed out loud in my quiet office (where I'm supposed to be working...).

[cuckoochick]

[mcruari]

Preggo brain is your only excuse (lucky you!)

[Buntybear]

Hi, I am sure there is a point when your boobs do feel less full although they produce as much milk. Been a while since I breast feed but it rings a bell!

[*Ali*]

Cath, I doubt bathroom scales would be accurate enough to give you a proper reading. The tiny 4-5oz or so probably wouldn't even register. Unless you have baby scales but I'm guessing you wouldn't. I wouldn't want it not registering a couple ounces and worrying you unnecessarily.

If he is going 2-3hrs between feeds and seems content then I'm sure you are fine.

Have you read our FAQ?  "I'm worried I may have a low milk supply"

[*Ali*]

And remind me how old he is now (ticker needs making )

As BB says breast do stop being so full as they age. There does come a point when the milk is made on demand rather than made by hormones and stored in the breasts ready.

[ZacsMumme]

Hun is he close to 4 mths? If so this is when I thought Z was 'draining' me and not getting enough, but he totally was...he just got crazy efficient (I think avge plunket said dropped to 3-4 mins each side at this age) and also my breasts regulated much better. It was after the 4 mth GS actually now I remember!

Sounds like your doing great!

[<Catherine>]

Thanks for that link Ali, I'm definitely worrying over nothing.

Yes, he's 17 weeks, 4 months on Monday. He's feeding every 2-3 hours during the day (sometimes 4 depending on nap length), and 5-7 hours at night.

[Shiv52]

Hello!!

At this age like Ali says your breasts move more to supply and demand rather than storing milk ready for a feed. So I think he's doing great and its just your body adjusting to the change in how BFing works x

[<Catherine>]

 

[*Ali*]

Glad your mind is more at ease now

[cuckoochick]

those boobs are magical things! Xxx

[Fiver]

Ali and Shiv have said it already, but adding to completely agree.  The "fullness" (engorgement) that we feel in those early days is a sign from our body that LO needs feeding and there is milk ready to go NOW to do it.  As milk supply becomes established, your body learns to regulate how much milk is stored and produces the rest on supply/demand, so the more he sucks, the more he gets and, unless you have issues with oversupply, the engorgement doesn't happen so often. 

More info here, if you're interested - http://kellymom.com/pregnancy/bf-prep/milkproduction/