Expert: ruth kraft - 11/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a nursing experiencing question?
1)how should i know if my 2 months old son swallowing the breastmilk?

2)i don't now if my breasts feel full before and after feeding? What doesn't that mean?

3)before i breastfeed do i have to eat something first and than breastfeed?

4)when i nurse from one breast, does milk drip from the nipple of your other breast? It used to a month ago right know it doesnt leak anymore.

Can you feel the tingling of a let-down reflex as you begin to nurse? NO NOT AT ALL

ANSWER: Hello :) I suggest going to a website called www.drjacknewman.com and watch the video clips on there to see effective swallowing. It is much easier to see rather then me try to explain it in words without the visual.  But reguardless of that, you don't have to pay attention to swallowing at all if your baby is having 6-8 wet diapers a day. if he is, then he is getting sufficient milk.

After a month or two, you may not feel that fullness any longer. THe same with the milk dripping. It does at first but after 4-6 weeks, your breasts adjust to exactly what the baby needs. When the baby is 9 months old you may not feel full ever, but there will still be the perfect amount for the baby. The body has mastered how much per feeding to make :)

No, you don't need to eat just before nursing unless you are hungry. We suggest keeping water with you while nursing as women often get thirsty while nursing. Drink to thirst.

Some women feel the let down, some don't. I never did, but some women feel it even after they stop nursing :) Each woman is different, both are normal. ;)

I hope that helped!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: my question are?
how should i know if my 2 months old son is full from breastmilk? afterwards i offered him Enfamil after breastfeeding. am i over feeding him?

Answer
It depends on how much formula you are giving him. I would try not to give him any formula. If it is only a couple ounces a day , then just stop feeding it to him. If you are feeding him formula every feeding, then Stop feeding formula for one feeding a day for 4-5 days and let the baby nurse more. then after 4-5 days, wean formula from another feeding and continue on like that until there is no more formula being fed. If the baby is having 6-8 wet diapers a day on breastmilk alone, he is getting plenty.