Milk drying up at 6 weeks?

[Essexmamma]

My ds2 is 6 weeks and likes to feed a lot but it feels like there is nothing left after a few minutes and he becomes really frustrated and starts crying. This used to just happen at cluster feed time ( evening when he often screams for ages) but its been like it all day today and he hasnt had a real feed. I tried to express for the first time today, epic fail as only got 10ml which he won't take from the bottle, and since then there's been nothing left.

Feeling very deflated today and want to give up and give ff but now worried he won't take a bottle either.

Is it really true that you never empty a breast as it really feels like this is happening in our case and getting distressed and not providing enough for him. Any advice?
Thank you x

[rubyslippers]

You can't empty a breast

I've heard a good analogy - the breast is not like a bucket which can be emptied but like a river which is always running

Your breasts will feel softer and less full at 6 weeks as your supply is pretty well established

Expressing is no indication of supply - I could never express much except at night and have just finished feeding my DD (who is 3 years old)

He may be having a fussy day?

Offer the breast at every opportunity today - is he wee'ing and pooing ok?

It goes without saying if you're worried get some real life advice

[hazeldog]

Its a growth spurt! Dont give up he is stimulating your milk production to keep up with his needs. He might want constant feeding for 3-4 days. Don't panic it's perfectly normal. Just get plenty of fluids and a good book to read. Get comfy on the sofa and ride it out.

[TerracottaPie]

There's a growth spurt at 6 weeks. He's probably just upping your supply. Your body will be quite responsive to it and hopefully things will ease up tomorrow for you.

Don't worry about the expressing either. I am absolutely rubbish at expressing and get bugger all out. As Ruby said above it's not indicative of what you've got in there.

[TerracottaPie]

xpost with Hazel!

[RedKites]

I agree with everyone else, and as Ruby says, if you're still worried do seek RL advice (perhaps try one of the phonelines?). When your DS gets frustrated, have you tried swapping sides?

Kellymom has lots of useful advice. You may find this page on supply settling down useful.

[OneLittleToddlingTerror]

Just sending my support to you! Your milk can't dry up just like this. It's a demand and supply system. The more the baby suckle, the more milk you produce. Your baby is having a growth spurt and as long as you keep feeding he'll get the milk he needs. It's difficult, but trust your body. Nature is amazing. We are made to be able to completely provide for our newborns.

[Essexmamma]

Thank you all for your advice. I didn't give up yesterday and he suckled for 8 hours straight til he was exhausted! I went to a support group today and the counsellor there is helping me too. He's putting on weight well although it can be 8 days between dirty nappies.

Definitely think upping the fluids has helped today so I'm keeping going! Thanks for the support x

[hazeldog]

Well done. My sons record was 13 hours straight I was exhausted! Its normal for ebf babies to go up to 13 days without a poo. Sounds like you're doing really well give yourself a pat on the back :)

[NotQuiteCockney]

You can also just keep swapping breasts. Give him the first, until he comes off it, then move to the second, do the same. Then switch back to the first. This does wonders for your supply.

And remember: this too shall pass.

We don't suddenly stop making milk for no reason, any more than we stop making blood, or saliva, or tears.