2.5 weeks and boobs feel emptyish and DS seems to be getting v little

[AdiVic]

hello, my DS is nearly 3 weeks old and has been putting on weight and BFing with no probs. This is my second baby, and tbh, I cannot remember much about 1st time around which was 2yrs ago. My boobs suddenly feel a bit empty, Ds is sucking away and seems to be getting less and at times getting frustrated that it's not gushing out as normal.

Is this normal with BF around this time? He is 3 wks on wednesday (ooops, that's tomorrow!!) so I guess a growth spurt is due?? He just always seems to be wanting some, will i get more milk in, how long will this last???

My brains fried and I can't remember anything about all of this and how it works - i'm wiped out and my poor boobs hurt from all the action!

thank you:)

Hey. I'm still breastfeeding and I can't remember that period either! But mine feel empty compared to that pumped up stage right at the beginning. I've certainly seen my baby do that frustrated looking sucking. And she's still putting weight on fine. That's the ultimate test, so I reckon you're doing a great job, and as you say yourself, the milk supply will be increasing as baby grows. And I think wanting it all the time at 3 weeks is completely normal, alas!

sounds like you're doing it perfectly!

It all sounds normal to me - I remember going through periods of feeling empty and baby being frustrated and feeding more often and I think they were the growth spurt times. If you keep feeding then you'll make more, and it is normal to lose the 'full' feeling at some point.

I hope it all works out soon :) And congratulations on your new baby :)

Is he wanting to feed a lot more than he has done? There is a 3 wk growth spurt iirc donut could be that?

If he's gaining weight and producing plenty of wet & dirty nappies then keep on keeping on! It could easily be a growth spurt, so he's priming your boobs to make plenty of milk. Breastfeeding works on a supply & demand basis. Baby wants more milk, so he feeds more often, mother produces more milk - very simple! He may also just want to be close to his mama! He's not been 'out' for long, of course, think of it as 'nursing' rather than feeding and keep in mind the comfort it brings him to be so close.

When he gets frustrated do you switch sides? Babies do tend to prefer feeding from a fuller breast. Switch as many times as you need to to keep him interested! You could look into doing breast compressions if you still feel he's not getting enough milk. Sorry I can't link, but Dr Google will help I'm sure!

Your boobs may have settled from the early engorgement. Everyone is different - some rarely feel "full" (remember breasts are like a well, they're never 'empty'. They may be less full, but milk production is a continual thing), others experience frequent engorgement.

If your boobs hurt (rather than just feeling 'used') you may want to ask someone to help you with latch and positioning. Pain is very common, but isn't normal, and usually easily fixable by someone knowledgeable (probably not a HV - do you have any local BF support groups with Breastfeeding Counsellors/infant feeding specialists/peer supporters?)

Anyway, congrats on the birth of your lovely boy. Relax, enjoy getting to know him, trust yourself (and your boobs!) that you're doing great!