left breast never seems full any more - supply issues??

[fi1980]

Hi

So far my breastfeeding has been going really well and I was happy that DD was getting enough milk, now I am a little concerned.

At first both of my breasts were really big and hard all of the time. Now they don't seem to be getting as full. My left breast in particular never seems to be 'full' anymore. However, I am still feeding from it and I can hear DD swallowing some milk so I guess there is something in there but I worry that it is not very much. About a week ago I had a terrible cracked nipple then mastitis in this left breast- do you think this has anything to do with it?

As I am so new to this I have no idea what is normal. Do BF boobs always stay so big and hard or do they settle down? It seems so early for them to be settling down, and is it normal that one would settle before the other?

DD has been putting on weight and the local health nurse came yesterday and said she was a wonderfully healthy baby but I can't help but worry!

Also in the past 24 hours DD was sleeping only an hour -hour half at a time before waking for a feed. Feeding that frequently is very tiring but I figured if she was wanting it then obviously she was hungry, which also makes me think she might not be getting enough milk - otherwise why would she be so hungry all the time? Do you think my supply is dropping off? This afternoon she slept for about 3 hours (previously we were sleeping in 2.5-3 hour lots and feeding approx every 3 hours) so I don't know if she will now settle back into her 3 hourly routine or not.

I know I shouldn't worry so much but I'm concerned my supply is getting low and my little girl is not getting enough milk.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Fi

[Barb Glare]

During most of the time that we breastfeed, our breasts feel pretty soft and normal - yet they are making milk very effectively. In the early days our milk supply is driven by high levels of prolactin. In that phase most mothers relatively over-supply for their baby and it's common for your breasts to feel hard and full. Over time, your supply becomes regulated by your baby's feeding. The more they feed, the emptier your breasts, the more milk you make - that's pretty much all there is to it!
When you have mastitis, generally you are able to remove less milk from the breast - it's blocked. So you might find that your milk supply is a bit lower - your baby knows exactly what to do - feed more frequently and you will find that your milk supply comes back.
Many mothers worry about whether their baby is getting enough or not. Generally, if your baby is weeing and pooing (what goes in must come out) and growing, then she is getting plenty

[Jennifer13]

As Barb said, after a while your bbs do settle down and don't feel so hard or full. But wait until your DD misses a feed and you'll probably get the old full feeling again temporarily!

As long as she has plenty of wet and dirty nappies, is gaining weight and otherwise is happy and alert, you don't have anything to worry about. Well done on doing so well so far!

[Rara]

Hi hun!

Sorry to barge in but just wanted to let you know of my experience when DD was 1 month old. She starting feeding very regularly, especially at night/early morning (sad to say) for a few weeks. After much searching (and pulling my hair out) I found that she was merely going through a growth spurt. A lady that I know very well had 6 children & she told me that she never knew that bubs go through this until her 6th child. She always thought it was her milk supply so she gave up bf after 5 weeks for each of her 5 children.

Just something to keep in mind! I think you are doing a fantastic job. If you can get through the next few weeks you will see that it will totally calm down Good luck xx

[fourthontheway]

It's normal for that to happen over time What happens is that at first we make masses of milk, but as the baby grows and drinks our breasts work out how much milk they need to make and regulate the right amount. It's a sign of efficency that your breasts are changing, you are making just the right amount of milk for YOUR baby. Should your baby require more she will stimulate it all by herself by feeding more. Aren't breasts clever???

[fi1980]

Thanks everyone. Everything is going really well with the BF now and I am no longer concerned about my leftie being a bit smaller/softer than the right. My DD feeds really well and comes off the left one looking extremely satisfied plus I have expressed and found that I get plenty out of the left side which is very reassuring DD is a very happy, healthy bub with plenty of wet/dirty nappies so I'm very confident that my bb's are doing exactly what they should! It's so silly how we always doubt/question ourselves

Thanks again