Feeding from just one breast?

[fleacircus]

DD is nearly six months, exclusively BF although we're on the brink of introducing some solids. I've had pretty much constant problems on the left side, too long and complex a story to go into but it's never been pain free. So I'm thinking as the amount of milk she takes decreases I'd like to phase that breast out altogether (my plan is to continue BF until she's at least 12mths). Has anyone done this? Or know anything about it? Or have any ideas how I would go about it? I have a tendency to mastitis (5 bouts so far and counting) and blocked ducts in that side so obviously am concerned that I'll cause more problems by feeding her from it less. Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

I am still bf at 14 months against all expectations. One breast was always the least favourite (inverted nipple, so she never liked it and it was more painful for me as she clamped on it more). I kept it going but obviously she never fed much from it and now it is visibly smaller than the other in size. I am confident they will both go back to same size and I'm not that bothered anyway (my partner thinks it's funny), but you might as bras don't fit as well, etc.
Have you considered expressing from that breast and freezing/refrigerating the milk? It can stay in freezer six months, 3-8 days in fridge (depending on how cold fridge is) according to BfN's recommendations and you can use it in weaning (mix with baby porridge, baby rice, mix it with puree when too thick, etc). Or she can drink it from a cup. You can try hand expressing if you don't want to bother with pump.

a woman i worked with fed from one breast as the other was just refused from day one.

one of the mums i chat with on BMC just feeds her dd (6mths) from one breast and she has done pretty much since birth, i know she jokes about looking lop sided, but i think thats settling down now, so it is possible

Excellent - thank you. Most recent bout of mastitis has passed now and when it's not bad I forget how bad it is, IYSWIM. Feel much more reassured about lop-sidedness (which my mother, bless her, keeps going on about) and anyway happy that DP wouldn't be bothered if it came to that. GP is referring me to breast clinic to find out if there's anything inherently wrong with the breast, but will definitely go ahead with phasing it out as she starts to take less.

4madboys, what's BMC? Is it specifically re BF? Am always seeking more information!

I tend to feed DS2 (13 months) from one side, have always had a better supply from that side and he prefers it. Was the same with DS1. Am a touch lopsided but am sure this is something you notice more yourself than anyone else.

no BMC is badmotherclub.co.uk its just another forum like mn, only not so big tis great, tho you have to pay now, i think you get so many months free as a newbie and then its £12 per year, def worth it tho, it keeps me sane

am down to one feed a day with dd 11months old and just do one side- i think i subconciously favoured it when i couldn't remember and after a couple of days found it easier. i don't think i am lopsided but i guess any uneveness will work its way out when i stop!