How do I tell if my supply is dropping?

[Lollie86]

DD has been pretty fussy lately on the boob and they dont seem as full as they used to be. I tried expressing bc we are going out on the weekend and all I could get out of a day was 50ml.

I guess Im looking for some signs that you get when your supply is dropping. I dont really know if it is, more of a instinct.

[JimJamsMum]

I have found expressing more difficult as DS gets older (8 months now). When DS goes through a fussy phase I express one side while he's taking the other and have more success expressing. Difficulty expressing is not necessarily a sign of declining supply.

[punkbaby]

As your bubs gets older you will feel empty when your actually not empty you dont seem to feel that letdown etc.

I never could express myself only by hand and only enough for farax etc i could never get a feed out even though i tried and tried. Have you tried expressing when feeding from the other breast? this may help a little.

[Harlequin]

Yeah you should see my boobs, they are like flobby horrid pancakes sometimes but Ava still manages to get milk from them! :)

Are you usually able to express? I've never been able to express much in one sitting, my boobs just don't work with a pump.

[jarrahsmumma]

50ml is great!

babies/toddlers are way more efficient at removing milk from your breasts than a peice of plastic. when i express i get about 40ml..and my DD is almost 1....

fussy periods can be due to developmental changes, like crawling, walking at most often i find TEETH! are a big grizzle for my two.

you will make enough milk for your child when you foolow their lead.

[ikis84]

You will know if they are not getting enough if they are losing weight, not enough wet nappies or become dehydrated. To ensure a good supply, just make sure you allow her unrestricted access to the breast (for comfort and food) and take care of yourself.

It gets harder to express as your supply really settles down... pumping while they are feeding can help :) Although it is tricky with an inquisitive bub! I find using the football hold helps if I need to pump from the other breast, also trying warm washers on the breast to help the milk flow.

[Lollie86]

Thanks ladies for all that info. I just expressed about 60 mls in 5 mins whilst DD was on the other breast. It was just flowing and the she got too curious about the pump and I couldnt get anymore....

Again thanks for the tips. :hugs: