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Can Breast Milk Get Empty During Lactation?
Question: hi I have just delivered my baby 1 week back today I was feeding her and she stopped suckling and my postpartum maid told that my breasts have got empty is it possible as she was hungry and had a
full top feed post that can it be a case is it normal as I have heard that breasts never get empty and you always produce enough milk please help
full top feed post that can it be a case is it normal as I have heard that breasts never get empty and you always produce enough milk please help
Brief Answer:
breast milk is very important for baby.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to healthcare magic.
Iam Dr.Srilatha gynaecologist.
I understand your concern.
The breast milk is rich in vitamins, minerals,immunomodulators, water, carbohydrates,fats,proteins etc which are important for the baby.
Nothing is a substitute for breast milk.
So exclusive breast feeding upto 6 months is mandatory.
In my opinion breast never get empty.
There will always be some amount of milk is present in breast.say 10 to 20%
As the baby feeds, the breast milk will be produced as a continuous process.
So as the baby sucks from one side the milk will be pouring into breast from other side.
So there cannot be completely emptying of breast.
Decreasing the feeding cuts down the production of breast milk.
Hope this satisfies your query.
Feel free to discuss further.
Best regards...Dr.Srilatha
breast milk is very important for baby.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to healthcare magic.
Iam Dr.Srilatha gynaecologist.
I understand your concern.
The breast milk is rich in vitamins, minerals,immunomodulators, water, carbohydrates,fats,proteins etc which are important for the baby.
Nothing is a substitute for breast milk.
So exclusive breast feeding upto 6 months is mandatory.
In my opinion breast never get empty.
There will always be some amount of milk is present in breast.say 10 to 20%
As the baby feeds, the breast milk will be produced as a continuous process.
So as the baby sucks from one side the milk will be pouring into breast from other side.
So there cannot be completely emptying of breast.
Decreasing the feeding cuts down the production of breast milk.
Hope this satisfies your query.
Feel free to discuss further.
Best regards...Dr.Srilatha
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
so my baby is 2.65kg when born a bit weak can it be a case that the baby got tired and stop suckling should I wait patiently till the next feed and not worry or it is something to be worried of
Brief Answer:
Baby feeds depending on the appetite
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,goodday.
I have gone through your query.
I understand your concern.
Yes dear,there is nothing to worry about this.
Usually the baby feeds depend on its appetite.
The baby feeds maximum of 8-10 times in a period of 24 hours.
Suckling reflex is present since birth and once it is developed it will not go.
As the baby had fed prior there is nothing to worry.
There are two types of milk in each feed:-
1)Fore milk which is thin and decreases the thirst of the baby at starting of the feed.
2)Hind milk which is thick and decreases the hunger of the baby.
Feed from one breast completely and then shift to another breast so that it takes both fore and hind milk from each breast.
So nothing to worry.
As soon as the baby feels hunger it starts to feed again.
Check for any fever or any because the feeding of baby decrease in these conditions.
Also check if there is any retracted nipple as it also prevents perfect latching and sucking.
If everything is normal it might be just appetite related.
Take high protein diet for good amount of breast milk.
Avoid stress as it might also decrease the breast milk amount.
Hope this satisfies your query.
Feel free to discuss further.
Best regards...Dr.Srilatha
Baby feeds depending on the appetite
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,goodday.
I have gone through your query.
I understand your concern.
Yes dear,there is nothing to worry about this.
Usually the baby feeds depend on its appetite.
The baby feeds maximum of 8-10 times in a period of 24 hours.
Suckling reflex is present since birth and once it is developed it will not go.
As the baby had fed prior there is nothing to worry.
There are two types of milk in each feed:-
1)Fore milk which is thin and decreases the thirst of the baby at starting of the feed.
2)Hind milk which is thick and decreases the hunger of the baby.
Feed from one breast completely and then shift to another breast so that it takes both fore and hind milk from each breast.
So nothing to worry.
As soon as the baby feels hunger it starts to feed again.
Check for any fever or any because the feeding of baby decrease in these conditions.
Also check if there is any retracted nipple as it also prevents perfect latching and sucking.
If everything is normal it might be just appetite related.
Take high protein diet for good amount of breast milk.
Avoid stress as it might also decrease the breast milk amount.
Hope this satisfies your query.
Feel free to discuss further.
Best regards...Dr.Srilatha
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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