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Should I feel let down at every feed? How do I know if milk supply low?

Amanda - posted on 02/16/2010 ( 2 moms have responded )

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23

Can someone explain let down for me and how often it should occur. I know I am experiencing let down, but it doesn't generally happen during a feed and I don't feel it regularly. Also, how do I know if my milk supply is low? Do I judge this on his nappies (8-10 a day) or on how he is feeding? Should my breasts feel tight to be full? Oh my goodness, I am such a beginner with so many questions! Would appreciate your thoughts. Thankyou

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Kari - posted on 02/16/2010

30

15

Hi Mama - things will get easier as time goes on. Wonderful questions though. I never, ever felt a single let down so if you are not feeling them but you can see a change in the sucking and hear your baby swallowing again then you know you have had one. To judge your milk supply you really just check wet diapers like you said. Your breasts will feel tight at first but the longer you breastfeed your baby the less tight they feel when they are full. You're never actually empty, your breasts are always making milk. But you must "empty" a side before you go to the next so that it makes milk faster. Full breasts tell your body that you don't need milk yet so the production of milk slows down. If your baby goes on a growth spurt, as they do around 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months your baby will eat more than normal and don't worry the more he eats, the more your breasts make... so do not feel you need to use formula to help, this will only hurt your supply...let him eat and eat and your body will adjust. When the growth spurt is over it'll adjust back to normal as well. www.kellymom.com is a GREAT site for breastfeeding moms and I highly recommend you check it out for articles, chat, etc. Good Luck and don't ever feel like a questions is stupid - breastfeeding moms need a lot of support and we're here to help.

Minnie - posted on 02/16/2010

7,075

9

You are concerned about your supply and meeting your baby's needs. Not every mother feels her let-downs. You can know that it's occuring when you notice your baby begin to have a regular suck-pause-swallow pattern. You should be able to hear swallows.



You know your supply is adequate when:



You are exclusively breastfeeding (no formula)

Baby is not dehydrated (no dark yellow, smelly urine, eyes are moist, so is mouth)

Baby is gaining weight (even if slowly- you just don't want a loss)



Don't base your supply on breast fullness- they're not going to feel very full once your supply is regulated.



Bring your baby to your breast when he shows early signs of wanting to nurse (rooting, sticking out tongue, increased activity). Make sure latch and positioning are correct.



See if you can attend some local La Leche League group meetings. You'll be able to receive experienced help from accredited LLL Leaders and mother-to-mother support from other breastfeeding mothers. http://www.llli.org

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