If the Breasts Feel Empty, There is no Milk – Myth Busted

Motherhood is not just lovely emotions and unforgettable moments but a whole lot of false information floating around the internet or among our elders which only adds up to the anxiety and uncertainty a new mom faces while nursing a child. So, mommies let’s dig out one myth at a time and ease the misery. Being a mom, I understand, new moms stress most about adequate milk production or if the milk is enough for their little ones. Today we will discuss whether it is true that when your breasts feel empty, there is no milk.

Does Breast Fullness Affect Milk Supply?

Many nursing mothers experience changes in their breast sizes during their breastfeeding journey. Moms consequently believed that if their breasts didn’t feel full, their milk production is reduced or the baby isn’t receiving the right amount of milk needed for growth. But, mothers, you will be quite relieved to learn that this is quite untrue. Your breast fullness actually doesn’t show whether or not your breasts are producing enough milk.

After delivery, when the milk hormone, prolactin begins to increase in the body, so does the production of milk in your breasts. The milk and the active blood supply around your breast make it feel fuller and even warmer. You might feel very uncomfortable during the first 24 hours but after that, this feeling will subside. Once you nurse your little one and your breast milk starts flowing you will have less fuller breasts and feel much more relaxed after each feeding. However, if you go too long without nursing, your breast may become swollen and painful. After each feeding, your body produces more milk to fill the empty breasts. As I always mention, frequent feedings are the best way to increase milk production, your body is always making milk for your baby.

Why My Breasts Never Feel Full?

After the second and third-day following delivery, it is extremely common for mothers to feel their breasts are full. The term “milk coming in” refers to the period when the effects of pregnancy hormones, namely progesterone, start to wear off and milk production hormones are stimulated. Your breast would feel fuller and heavier as milk production increases. But not every mother has the same experiences as other mothers. So, mommies, it’s also common for some women to not feel their breasts are full, and some may wonder if the milk hasn’t started to come in. but it is always helpful to keep in mind that milk production is a cycle of supply and demand as long as your little one is gaining weight or wetting nappies only on breastmilk, everything is good to go.

Let’s discuss why actually mothers experience breast fullness during the start of postpartum. Breast fullness occurs when the milk starts to come in and the breast are not adapted to the amount of milk production. Also, this is very important to note why breastfeeding at the start is very crucial and determines milk volume according to your baby’s demands. After typically around 6-8 weeks the breasts start to feel less full and heavier, this doesn’t indicate the fact that your milk supply has decreased but it shows that your body isn’t producing extra milk. It is also quite normal that the breast doesn’t feel as full as before, after the 3rd to 6th week of delivery because your breast is now adapted to the amount of milk produced.

Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk

The only way you will know that milk supply is less for your little one is that it doesn’t fulfill a baby’s growth needs. Mommies, remember it definitely takes some time before you are certain that your child is consuming enough milk. Here are some of the ways how you can find out if your baby is getting enough milk or if any additional diet is needed.

• Your baby passes a soft yellow stool at least once a day.
• You have to dispose of 4-5 wet nappies every 24 hours.
• Your baby is calm and relaxed during feeds.
• The baby’s mouth looks hydrated and flushed after feeds.
• The mommy may feel relaxed after feeds.
• Your baby is gaining weight

You should pay attention to how you feel after each feed it’s another way to know about your feeding. Your breasts feel full before the feed, but after you nurse the child, they feel lighter and less full. This indicates that your baby is receiving milk down its belly. Many mothers don’t breastfeed their children fearing that they might not have enough milk supply or the milk is not enough for the baby’s growth needs.

Being a mom, I advise you to don’t allow these nursing myths to hinder you. Do your homework and become a more knowledgeable mother. Educate yourself on reliable breastfeeding information so you’ll know which advice to disregard.