Breast feeding

Continuing to breastfeed

By Philips

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05/07/2022

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2-5 min. read

If you’ve been breastfeeding exclusively for six months and plan to continue, you can expect to see some changes in your milk and your breasts.

At a glance

Emptying the breast
Feeding on demand

The size of your breasts will stay the same from one to six months while you’re breastfeeding, but the amount of breast tissue reduces significantly between six and nine months, even though there’s only a small decrease in milk production.

By the time you get to 15 months of milk production, (lactation) your breasts will be back to their pre-pregnancy size.

As your baby begins to eat more solids the demand for breast milk will decrease, so you’ll naturally produce less.

Emptying the breast

Whilst breasts don’t need to be emptied to satisfy most babies, draining the breast is still recommended. It will help prevent complications of painful, blocked ducts and inflammation.

Feeding on demand

If your baby is growing normally, you don’t need to worry about following set breastfeeding routines. Your baby will let you know when it’s time to feed and whether one or both breasts are needed for a meal.

Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.