When is the breast empty?

[blueflower]

I have been BF'ing for 3 weeks now, but have never worked out if Kaetlyn has emptied the breast before going onto the next one.
How do you tell if it is empty, i usually feel the breast for lumps and if there are any still in the breast I keep her on that one a little longer and change positions to make sure she clears that Duct, but I figure as the milk settles down, the lumps wont be there as much.

Also, just wondering when babies normally get quicker with feeding. At 3 weeks, Kaetlyn can sometimes take 1hour to feed and others 30-40mins. Is this normal, or should I be persisting for longer feeds if she tries to finish earlier?

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

It's normal, babies speed up slowly the longer they are breastfed.

Breasts never really empty; there is always milk production. However, I class an "empty" breast as one that I can't hand-express from once DS has finished with it. There is still milk there, only it is hard work getting it. I also check to see how "floppy" the breast is at night when I don't want to turn the light on.

[Matryoshka]

For me i know the breast is empty when it looks and feels like a hacky sack LOL! But i always found that mine looked physically drained when they were. And i think the best think is to let bubs tell you when they've had enough, some days i feed more frequently and shorter than others, i just follow what my son needs and as long as theres wet nappies and weight gains its all good.

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

Well done on your first 3 weeks of being a mother. Breasts are only relatively full, or relatively empty. They are never completely empty (though I think they can sometimes be completely full - going on the way they feel) Usually your baby is the best guide. She will come off one side looking full, drunk and sleepy. In the early days it's normal that one breast is enough for them - if the other breast is uncomfortably full and she can't drink anymore or is asleep, hand express some milk off, just until your breast feels a little softer. In the early days, babies often take a long time to feed, but as time goes on, they get quicker and quicker. By the time she is 3 mnths old she'll be able to guzzle down a boob in 10 mins flat and want the other one as well. It changes so quickly! You don't need to *make* her stay there for longer than she wants. At 3 weeks, their tummies are very small and they can't take too much, though all love the warm snuggle with mums that comes wrapped up as part of a breastfeed
Warm Regards
Barb

[kungfubecca]

thanks for asking the question sara, and barb i'm glad you answered. You have made me feel better about how my bubs is feeding

thanks

[Tobily]

I think Barb gave some great advice.
That was pretty much what I did (still do really) and it seems to work well for us. I really let him decide when he's finished - when he comes off of his own accord I assume he's done with that one, and then offer the other one. Sometimes he takes it, sometimes not. I figure as long as I offer it then I don't need to worry about whether he's getting enough, they're pretty good at regulating their food intake these little ones

[kungfubecca]

I've started doing this after what Barb said, I have to say it is working for me.