No milk???

[catwoman101]

Hi, I have an ebf 13week old. She has always fed regularly during the day (often hourly) which is fine. The last couple of days she hasn't been settled after feeds and wants to catch back on straight away. Not I'll, no temperatures etc.

I am worried that I haven't got enough milk, as usually when she finishes feeding, she has milk all over her face, but she hasn't had that at all today or yesterday, and that coupled with the wanting to latch on all the time, was wondering (worried) about milk drying up. Saying that, there is no reason for my milk to dry up that I can think of.

I tried to express this am for the first time, got 20ml which I was going to try at bedtime with a bf.

Btw, breasts don't feel any different to last week. Only engorged in first week once, and they have been back to their usual size (sadly) since week 4. Again, I haven't had that full feeling since week 4.

So anyway, what I am asking is, it is possible for milk just to dry up, or am I paranoid? Dp suggested growth spurt, but I am not sure.

Their feeding habits change all the time, I think it is unlikely you suddenly have no milk.

Is she still have wet and dirty nappies? It can't come out if it is not going in!

there is a big growth spurt around that age so she could just be feeding lots to increase your supply

kellymom.com/bf/normal/growth-spurts/

I have days like this, when I worry myself stupid. Mostly, it all settles back down again and I'm left with massive engorged boobs. If she's having lots of wet nappies then it might be best to ride it out and see what happens after the weekend.

As for expressing, I can sympathise with you there - I only ever get 20mls by hand which leaves me feeling like an actual moo cow

Hope it all gets better for you

There's often a growth spurt around 3 months, and unsettled/wanting to latch on all the time sounds like prime growth spurt behaviour to me. Also I found with DS1 my milk supply seemed to settle down a lot around then - as in, wasn't leaking, wasn't nearly waterboarding the baby with my letdown, etc., so that could explain the lack of milk-on-face. The only other thing that could do a temporary number on your supply is your period coming back, though hopefully you'll be spared that for a few more months...

I was going to suggest a growth spurt too. Just keep on feeding and the supply should increase for your Dd. :)

To be honest, no part of this is an exact science, and sometimes milk production can slow down for no obvious reason. But a growth spurt is more likely.

Are you trying all the tricks?

Extra pumping
Keeping DD close by (or looking at a picture) while expressing
Keeping yourself adequately fed and hydrated, not overdoing anything?

Is it possible for you to have an express-in? A day in bed with lots of skin to skin contact? I know it's not possible for most people but if it is for you, then worth a shot.

Good luck!

Thanks all.

Nappies not quite at wet as usual, but certainly not dry.

I will keep offering when she wants, and maybe try to pump more. Bigpig, your post made me laugh, dh referee to me a a moo cow this am. So much for support!