When should I offer the second breast. So much conflicting advice...

[belindarose]

I'm now feeding my 12 day old DS from both breasts (one with most inverted nipple needs a shield still).

Feeds can be really long. I'm hoping to see a BFC this week at the hospital as I'm sure his latch around the shield is quite poor sometimes and I can't always get it right. He is not always satisfied after a feed, even if it's been over an hour long.

Midwives all said not to switch breasts at all during a feed. I know this isn't right. He only very occasionally comes off by himself, but does fall asleep on the breast and not complain when taken off at that point. That's when I tend to wind him or change his nappy and offer the other side.

The not in use breast can leak between 30 and 100 ml per feed. I'm collecting it using breast shells. Would this make him reluctant to take a second side, or might it be an indication that he gets so much at the start of a feed that he doesn't want more?

Thanks for reading.

You are doing the right thing - when he comes off himself or needs winding, then offer the other side, see if he takes it or not. then start the next feed on that side. That is a lot of leaking but it will settle down. I leaked loads in the first three weeks and found collecting it really useful as I added it to expressed milk and then I could get an early night!
Don't take your baby off just to switch sides, but offer the other side when they have unlatched themselves. Midwives do not always know a heck of a lot about breastfeeding so definitely do see a BFC for advice about the latch and get your baby checked for tongue tie.

belindarose, good to see you hanging on in there :)

Totally understand why you feel confused.

"He only very occasionally comes off by himself, but does fall asleep on the breast and not complain when taken off at that point. That's when I tend to wind him or change his nappy and offer the other side. " - That is fine. You are watching your baby's behaviour and judging when the time is right to offer side 2. It is fine if he does not want it.

The leaking on the other side is normal. Using breast shells can sometimes create more leaking though - if it's bothering you or if the whole thing is a faff, then you could try without and just stop the leaking with the heel of your hand.

Long feeds with the baby still needing more are normal esp with a baby who is still young - think of it as two or three or more feeds close together rather than one continuous feed.

hi belinda, well done for still going and it sounds like things are getting better for you. It also sounds like you are very good at making milk for your baby (100mls leakage, wowzers!) so that's fantastic too. you are realising that you know your baby better than anyone, so your system sounds great, whatever the midwife said, and well done for realising that her advice was crap not the most appropriate for your situation. You are offering him as much milk as he wants, you are encouraging him (gently) to have a good feed every time, and there seems to be a good milk supply there. good luck with the lactation support at the hosp too. and well done again.