How do you know you breast is empty?

[StretchmarkBarbie]

Well how do you? I am constantly being told to make sure DD2 drains my breast but how do I know if dhe has?

[threechooks]

A breast can never be drained really as milk is a constant production....Just don't let bubs 'snack feed' from each breast. A good 10-15 minutes of constant feeding will ensure a mostly drained breast. Be aware boobs 'refill' in 20 minutes to go again too if you need to feed again. Keep up the good work!!!!:yelclap:

[CherishS2]

After a while you just tend to learn to tell the difference. Once my bub pulls off 2-3 times after only a couple of sucks each time, i feel them to check and they're usually deflated and softer! If they still feel a bit hard and heavy i try to burp her, then try to re-latch again. If she pulls off again i just change sides.

At almost 6 months now, i find my DD feeds really quickly on the first side without quite emptying it and then will spend longer on the second side (i assume she's just really hungry and wants to get the thirst-quenching foremilk from each and will then spend longer on the second side to get the fattier hindmilk).

[Thermolicious]

I just listen to my children, when they start fluffing around going on and off boob I swap sides, now they are both old enough to let me know verbally D#1 asks for the other beebee and D#2 just tugs at my shirt while grunting.

...and everything CherishS2 said, they feel softer and floppier.

[BabyPaparazzi]

I go by bubs, they will start to fluff around, also if they do this I just give a quick firm express and if it comes shooting out, still plenty there.

Your supply will regulate eventually so it pretty much emptys each feed. Just make sure you feed from one side first then the other if they want it and remember to swap next feed.

[Refresh]

Well how do you? I am constantly being told to make sure DD2 drains my breast but how do I know if dhe has?

Don't stress, go with the flow. As someone else said, supply equals demand in the majority of cases and it will even out if you let bubs feed until they are satisfied. Trust your baby and your body. None of my bubs have 'drained the breast' everytime and they are all perfect and I have never had any dramas at all, not even one bout of mastitis or blocked ducts or anything.

Love your avatar :flowerz:

[katieinwa]

according to the aba book, your breasts are at least 40% capacity after a feed

its very normal to have breasts that don't feel full, definitely doesn't mean they are empty at all :)