It can be tricky to know for sure when your breast is completely empty, but here are some signs to look for:
- Your breasts feel softer: As your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs, the initial fullness you experience will reduce. According to the reference, around 6 weeks postpartum, breast fullness may be completely gone, and your breasts may feel soft. This softness can be a sign that milk has been effectively removed.
Essentially, the feeling of emptiness comes down to these cues:
- Softness: Breasts will feel considerably softer compared to before feeding.
- Baby Cues: Your baby is relaxed, satisfied, and pulls away from the breast on their own.
- Reduced Milk Flow: You might notice a decrease or cessation of milk flow while your baby is feeding or pumping.
Keep in mind that your breasts are never truly completely empty, as milk production is a continuous process. However, recognizing the signs above can help you understand when your baby has likely received most of the available milk.
