Is my milk weaning

[Mathilda]

I've been breastfeeding exclusively, my baby girl is 3 months now.She seems to eat less in the last 2-3 days, but without crying when she finishes breastfeeding. But last night I felt my breasts did not have enough milk. I nursed her after dinner and then gave here an additional 40 ml of my own milk (from extraction), drank and showed she wanted more.I am anxious... Is my milk weaning?

[Kmn]

About now your milk supply should change to pretty much match what your little one drinks. This means that when she decides to have a thirsty day (usually because she is growing) you may need to feed her more often.

She will seem to be drinking less, but that is because she is drinking faster - as long as she has lots of wet nappies and continues to grow them she is getting enough milk.

The only things that will make your milk go away are:
1) not feeding your baby often enough - aim for at least 6 feeds per day, but the best option is to feed her whenever she seems hungry
2) getting pregnant
3) taking certain medicines (pseudoephidrine and the combined oral contraceptive pill are the most common).

[onthefly]

Exactly what Kmn said. The nappy output is the best indicator of input - so long as she has plenty of wet ones (and there may not be many poo ones now) then she's getting enough.

[Barb Glare]

Dear Mathilda,

It can be worrying when things change, especially when you have heard people talk about things such as "my milk dried up". Milk doesn't dry up for no reason. It just doesn't work that way. As long as you feed you make milk. You can't tell how much milk you have by *feel* In the early days, because your milk is driven by high levels of hormones and your baby is so small, your breasts may often feel very full. Over time your body adjust to meet your baby's needs. They just feel pretty soft and normal all the time. But you will always have plenty of milk for your baby. If she wants more just put her back on your breast, even if it seems like it's only been a short time - you will still have enough milk for your baby. No need to give bottles at all.

[luna moth]

At about 3 months, my supply settled down, and my breasts stopped having that really full feeling, especially in the evenings. Now, my baby girl is 8 months old and still going strong on breastmilk. She's been sick this week, so not really eating much, just living on the nectar of the boobs. And doing well.

Keep it up, you're doing great.

[Shanti]

Dear Mathilda,

It can be worrying when things change, especially when you have heard people talk about things such as "my milk dried up". Milk doesn't dry up for no reason. It just doesn't work that way. As long as you feed you make milk. You can't tell how much milk you have by *feel* In the early days, because your milk is driven by high levels of hormones and your baby is so small, your breasts may often feel very full. Over time your body adjust to meet your baby's needs. They just feel pretty soft and normal all the time. But you will always have plenty of milk for your baby. If she wants more just put her back on your breast, even if it seems like it's only been a short time - you will still have enough milk for your baby. No need to give bottles at all.

yes that!!

You have plenty of milk, as long as you are feeding your baby on demand as often as she needs it. It's all about demand + supply

[Shanti]

Dear Mathilda,

It can be worrying when things change, especially when you have heard people talk about things such as "my milk dried up". Milk doesn't dry up for no reason. It just doesn't work that way. As long as you feed you make milk. You can't tell how much milk you have by *feel* In the early days, because your milk is driven by high levels of hormones and your baby is so small, your breasts may often feel very full. Over time your body adjust to meet your baby's needs. They just feel pretty soft and normal all the time. But you will always have plenty of milk for your baby. If she wants more just put her back on your breast, even if it seems like it's only been a short time - you will still have enough milk for your baby. No need to give bottles at all.

yes that!!

You have plenty of milk, as long as you are feeding your baby on demand as often as she needs it. It's all about demand + supply