When supply changes are actually a good thing

Let’s talk supply changes–every mom experiences them. And after 6-8 weeks, you may notice a change in your breasts. You’re hopefully not getting as engorged as you used to. They might even start to feel softer. Your feeding sessions could also be getting shorter, or your pumping less than before. And that can be totally normal.

Your supply is most likely regulating. In the early weeks postpartum, your body overproduced milk as it figured out what your baby needed. Around this time, it's caught up, producing closer to what your baby needs. After worrying about your supply for so long, soft breasts do not always mean they’re empty. They’ve just adjusted.

When supply anxiety hits, the instinct is to watch the numbers: ounces pumped, minutes fed, hours between sessions. But each feed is only a snapshot of what is going on. You may be asking yourself: Is this enough? But the better question is always: is my baby content after feeds, wetting enough diapers, and growing?

• Letdowns can take a little longer as your supply settles. A warm compress or a photo of your baby can help trigger it.
• It’s easy to compare to other moms but remember: every baby and feeding journey is different.
• If your baby is having enough wet diapers and gaining weight, your supply is almost certainly doing exactly what it should be.

⚠ If softer breasts come alongside a baby who seems hungry after full feeds, fewer wet diapers, or slow weight gain – check in with your LC or pediatrician.

Taking these extra steps to learn about your body and care for your baby shows what an incredible mom you are. Don’t forget that.