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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

Nursing in bed - can I ask a stupid question?

16 replies

HelgatheHairy · 29/08/2013 11:24

I'm co-sleeping with DD. I sleep on my right side with my right breast closest to her. That's the breast she gets during the night. There's no way to feed her from my left breast is there?? I know it's a stupid question!

OP posts:
CityDweller · 29/08/2013 11:30

How old I she? My dd is 4.5 mo and she also sleeps on my right. If I kind of lean into her I can get left boob into her mouth - it makes for a slightly uncomfortable latch, but it's doable and seems less faff than me somehow swapping her to other side (ie middle of bed) and continuing to co-sleep safely...

Snuppeline · 29/08/2013 11:33

Why aren't you offering the other breast? You risk reduced milk supply and mastisitis in that breast I'd think if you don't. I offer other side than my preferred by placing dd on other side and turning around. Once she's had that side I return her to middle of bed and turn around myself. Another way would be to lower your shoulder and offer the other breast that way. Not comfortable for a very long feed but I've done this on occasion. Baby then on back to receive beast.

Good luck!

worldgonecrazy · 29/08/2013 11:34

I used to manage to feed from both breasts. If I was awake I would prop myself up to feed from the other breast, or role over and sort of dangle it in her direction.

HairyPorter · 29/08/2013 11:35

Yes you can- just lean over further!

FaddyPeony · 29/08/2013 11:37

When you're done with one boob slide baby onto your chest and turn over together gently on your other side. She'll meet the mattress first, you won't squish her :)

AnotherStitchInTime · 29/08/2013 11:47

Yes you can as Hairy said you just lean over further.

Either that or swap sides with her. If you do that make sure you put a bed guard on your side of the bed. I fell asleep doing that when dd1 was 5 months old and the arm cradling her dropped, she then rolled onto the floor. I woke up to the most sickening thud and her screaming.

You do need to offer both otherwise you will end up with mastitis or blocked ducts.

Original poster
HelgatheHairy · 29/08/2013 12:00

DD is 19 days, Generally what I do is around 5am sit up to feed her from the left breast. I'm a bit afraid of squishing her if I'm leaning over her to feed from left breast. I do move her to the middle of the bed sometimes but I'm worried about falling asleep and leaving her there.

OP posts:
FetchezLaVache · 29/08/2013 12:04

I started off elaborately climbing round DS to offer the other breast, but then I developed the lean-forward-to-get-the-left-boob-in technique and life improved! I don't thing he was as young as your DD though.

Jealous of your lovely BF cuddles in bed. Enjoy!

hettienne · 29/08/2013 12:09

I used to just offer the right side between 11pm-5am as I would normally fall asleep feeding so didn't want to risk putting the baby in the middle. Didn't have any problems personally, although my right boob did get noticeably bigger than the left!

Christelle2207 · 29/08/2013 15:45

I top and tail to do the other side, or switch with Dh.

poocatcherchampion · 30/08/2013 19:11

we do the all roll over dance.

what is the concern with this? don't want them sleeping in the middle or sleeping on the edge? and why?

dd is one week old so I'm not worried she's going anywhere.

hettienne · 30/08/2013 19:24

poocatcher - it isn't safe for the baby to sleep next to anyone other than the mother, so I would only have him between us if I was awake. As I tended to sleep through night feeds I couldn't risk having the baby next to DP.

starlightloz · 30/08/2013 19:36

I feed from both sides throughout the night just by rolling my baby over my chest. I keep one arm underneath him whilst he feeds. I do have a super king size bed so he is quite a long way from my husband. Did the same with my other children. I know it's not in tbe guidelines for safe co sleeping but I think the official rules do a bit of a disservice to men by presuming they have no paternal instinct. My babies' Dad has always woken up when they have stirred just as often as I have. Maybe I would do it differently if we had a smaller bed but it's made for peaceful nights with lots of precious baby cuddles, more sleep and content sons Smile

hettienne · 30/08/2013 19:42

Paternal instinct and maternal instinct in non-breastfeeding mothers don't synchronise your sleep and make you aware of the baby in the same way breastfeeding hormones do though.

poocatcherchampion · 31/08/2013 08:54

OK thanks. my dd is tight on the edge of the bed and doesn't move in his sleep. I cradle the baby and cocoon around her. there is loads of space between them. it feels OK, but I'll think about it.

pongping · 31/08/2013 09:05

Another one who does the lean-y over thing.

My two have both been obsessed with constantly wanting to switch breast when fussy and the lean-y over thing has been a life saver.

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