Should my baby be feeding from both sides each time?

[LuluLulabelle]

DD is 7 weeks old and only feeds from one breast before getting full/falling asleep/taking herself off.

Should she be having both breasts?

E.g. at night she'll feed from one breast and then fall back asleep for 4 hours and then I feed her from the other breast - uncomfortable for me but is it ok for her?

I expected her to get to the stage where she wanted both but it hasn't happened so far - am I doing something wrong?

I'd be grateful for any info.

no, it sounds like you are doing great. my ds only takes both once a day at his mammouth feed in the evenings, and he is 4 mths. if she seems contented and goes for 4 hrs in between meals she is currently doing fine, but it may change as she gets bigger!

Not a problem - one of my DDs almost always only took one side. DD3 (8mos) moved onto taking both sides when she was older than your LO - can't remember exactly but think it was about 12 weeks. And she doesn't always want both sides.

Oh thats good to hear, thanks blossombelle. I just read something on Kellymom which made me think I should have been switching sides.

Can I ask, how do you know to feed from both sides? If DD seemed hungry, I would probably keep going with boob no 1 incase she hadn't got to the hindmilk (main reason I haven't been switching).

mainly time and that it hurts! he normally feeds for 10-15mins, but his monster feed is 50mins, mainly active feediing. you can see the different milk during the feed - foremilk is grey and watery, hind rich and creamy. after 25mins he slows his sucking and boob feels very empty and may start to prickle. its guess work though!

old school way was 10mins either side, but this isn't necessary and no longer recommended.

may be a good idea to speak to the nct or your hv to see if there is a breastfeeding workshop nearby to go to - very useful!

lulu, if your baby is gaining fine and thriving, there is no need for concern - as people say here, some babies do this.

It's only an issue at the beginning - deliberately only offering one side could lower supply. Babies can be offered the other side so they can decide for themselves what to do

my dd is 13 weeks now and apart from a brief growth spurt at around 6 weeks she has only ever fed from one side at each feed.
i think your boobs adjust to how they feed iyswim?
one boob obviously produces enough milk for my dd's feed, but if i'd been swapping sides maybe each one would produce less milk, but added together is the same amount - does that make sense?
no wonder my boobs are so huge

Oh ok, thanks everyone. I will look out for those signs then blossombelle, thanks.

I think I expected her to want both sides now that she is having bigger gaps between feeds (at night when she sleeps - she managed 6 hours once and still only had one side afterwards).

I have seen a BF counsellor who was lovely so I will have a chat with her about it when I see her next.

Thanks everyone

She is gaining weight well - I am guessing she must be over 10lb, she was 9lb 12oz two weeks ago (7lb 13oz at birth). 0-3 mth clothes fit her perfectly - she must get her height from her dad .

So if she's slowed down or fallen asleep I am safe to assume she's had enough from that breast?

Oh thank goodness! I had no idea how to respond. I thought "perhaps FIL is an expert or abbreviation means something else".

Lol

starlight pmsl

when she pulls off (and doesn't need winding/filling her nappy) and refuses 2nd side she has had enough

Its normal for breastfed babies to feed more frequently than bottle fed, so it is unlikely to be related poor milk supply etc.

Starlight - I honestly wondered what the heck you were doing asking your father in law to choose between your breasts, asking him to weigh 'em or sumpin'.....phew, glad you cleared that one up

LOLLLL