How do you know when one side is empty?

[Caz10]

After lots of faffing around etc we seem to have settled into a (probably temporary) pattern of feeding on one side for about 30-40 mins, then the other side for 5-10, and then the next time starting on the 5-10 side. DD (2wks old) seems more contented and full up with that extra little 5-10 mins. However I'm always a bit unsure as to when the 1st side is "finished" - any suggestions/advice? Thanks!

[hercules1]

Never empty, just less full sometimes

[Snaf]

Caz, there's no such thing as an 'empty' breast, so don't worry about trying to work it out! It's not at all unusual for a baby to have a good long suck at the first breast and then a little 'snack' at the second - as long as she is finishing the feed contented then just be guided by her. All the usual caveats apply - wet & dirty nappies, putting on weight, appearing well, etc. She's only 2 weeks old and patterns will change - just go with the flow at the moment.

[Caz10]

Thanks! She gets to the stage where she refuses the 1st breast but attacks the 2nd one like a starving thing, so I thought maybe the 1st was "finished" somehow!

Because of the holidays we have quite a gap between HV visits so she's only been weighed once, the day we got back from hospital. She'll get weighed at the end of next week so hopefully that will set my mind at ease. Nappies etc seem to be doing the right things, so I'm sure all is fine.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

She probably launches to the 2nd breast as she has no doubt already worked out you usually get a nice fast rush of milk with very little effort!

[electra]

Agree with hercules. I used to bf on one side until it no longer felt hard and then swap to the other side.

[Caz10]

Thank you all. This BF business is so confusing...!