My tiny 9 week dd is very slow to gain weight, averaging just under 3oz a week. She has a good latch, and feeds enthusiastically for the first few minutes of each feed, but then she settles into lazy sucking with the occasional swallow...this can go on for 20-30 minutes, then repeats with the second breast. In the very early days of bf I worried about this "comfort sucking" but have subsequently chosen to go with the flow, as I believe she's still getting some milk when she swallows, and I guess it's still providing some stimulation to me. Feeds can take a long time but I just let her get on with it. I've never had sore nipples or discomfort from this, and during a long feed I'm aware of at least 3 or 4 let downs which get her gulping again for a little while. I tend not to interrupt her, although I try the usual tricks to keep her awake. Fedds roughly every couple of hors, sometimes goes a bit longer.
I have been advised today by a lactation specialist to "switch feed"; however I've tried this before and instead of awakening dd's interest each time I switch, she seems to get bored more quickly, if anything.
Is it really better to try to switch feed or should I just keep going at dd's pace, allowing her longer feeds on each breast and letting her tell me when she's done before offering the other side?
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Infant feeding
"Switch feeding" - a good idea or not?
64 replies
verylittlecarrot · 27/09/2007 23:46
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