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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

One breast or two per feed?

17 replies

ac1974 · 26/09/2010 14:57

I used to feed DS (big baby, now 12 weeks) one breast at a feeding. I think it was after reading a fairly convincing suggestion of this in the Baby Whisperer.

Somewhere along the line I have got in the habit of offering both.

Does it matter? I am wondering if I should revert to single-sided feeding, on the basis that presumably he'd get more hind milk if he stayed on one for longer - rather than say 15 mins each side. I don't think he is pulling off dissatisfied usually, I think I am transferring him - possibly before he is ready?

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

Ripeberry · 26/09/2010 15:00

When baby gets bigger then offer both. I did it wrong with my first baby and used to limit feeds to just one boob at a time and then by the evening she would be screaming so ended up offering an evening bottle of formula (bad for milk supply)

I just thought that each boob was like a milk bottle and would not fill up in time

slipperthief · 26/09/2010 15:05

If he's happy with just one side then thats fine. I think if you're going to do both make sure the first one is empty/deflated so he has enough hind milk, then if you go onto the other, start on that one again next time.

My ds (17 wks) seems to change his mind each feed and it also varies if he's having a bit of a growth spurt.

Meglet · 26/09/2010 15:11

I used to offer one and if that was finished off then offer the second. It was rare for the second boob to be emptied too.

For the following feed I started on that one then the other. Ie: left boob then right then the next feed would be right boob then left.

I am very anal . And I wrote every feed down for over 2 months so I knew what time, what side and for how long. I'm not an earth mother.

jemjabella · 26/09/2010 15:51

I would take breastfeeding advice from the 'Baby Whisperer' with a pinch of salt as some of the advice in there can be damaging to a breastfeeding relationship. With that said, it is very rare that my DD has both sides at a feed, she just isn't interested.

Original poster

ac1974 · 26/09/2010 16:24

Meglet I am also very anal and am still keeping a track of feeding times and how long he's feeding for and which side...Can't seem to let it go!

I think I'll just make sure he's deciding when he's had enough on one side, and only then offer the second and let him decide.

I do always try to start a feed on the boob he fed on last as suggested.

Neither side seemed to appeal just this afternoon - he just screamed and screamed and didn't want to eat at all (having not eaten since 11am) - always something to get anxious about...!

OP posts:

Zimm · 26/09/2010 17:42

I am quite bad and tend to switch sides as soon as DD either pulls herself off one side if it's been over 12ish minutes or if the side she is on is too sore and needs a break (during cluster feeds) I also often switch her if she nods off - switching sides seems to get her interest back. I do try for a minimum on one side though to make sure she gets some hindmilk. she's growing fine so far.

MoonFaceMama · 26/09/2010 18:02

ac, re refusing a feed, don't worry too much if you can help it! They won't refuse if hungry so just offer again later. I had a difficulties around the three/four month point when ds could feed more efficiently and go longer between feeds and i kept trying to shove a nipple in his gob at newborn feeding intervals. It took me ages to realise he just wasn't hungry. Now we are blwing it's all change again.

StarlightMcKenzie · 26/09/2010 18:14

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StarlightMcKenzie · 26/09/2010 18:19

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CupcakesHay · 26/09/2010 18:19

Wow. I haven't even considered any of these things??? Does a mdiwife explain, or someone in hospital? Or do you just figure it out??

(First time mum to be in Jan - obviously )

StarlightMcKenzie · 26/09/2010 18:21

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Original poster

ac1974 · 26/09/2010 19:32

Starlight I've heard that before about hindmilk being a red herring - but I think I've heard more often that there is something in it. When you express it is certainly a completely different colour/thickness at the beginning to the end, and you can't help thinking that the richer stuff has got to be good for them especially in the early days?

OP posts:

StarlightMcKenzie · 26/09/2010 19:41

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jemjabella · 26/09/2010 19:43

I don't think Starlight is dismissing that there is such a thing as hindmilk, rather the idea that there is a set point that it appears. Basically, the milk gets fattier as the feed goes on - you don't need to feed for X minutes or whatever.

jemjabella · 26/09/2010 19:44

And that's what happens when you take too long to reply...

Original poster

ac1974 · 26/09/2010 19:48

Thanks Starlight for the thorough explanation...
I am overly anxious and constantly over-analysing things (often clearly without the necessary background knowledge!), so it's helpful to be reminded of the wonders of nature...

OP posts:

harverina · 26/09/2010 19:53

I try and let my dd lead me during feeds and have learnt that its best not to get too stressed out about times etc.
I switch sides once my dd starts to pull off and fuss at the first breast. If I had to put a time on it, i'd say that she doesn't feed much longer than 15 minutes per breast. My dd will sometimes appear to "drain" each breast, whilst other times she will hardly feed from the second at all. Next feed I just start from that breast.
My advice to you and to any new mum would be to NOT time feeds and to let your baby lead you. I used to get stressed out about timings and lengths of feeds and now wish that I had just relaxed about it all. Your baby will generally let you know when they have had enough on the first breast. As long as your baby has wet and dirty nappies and is steadily gaining weight then everything sounds fine.

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