Giving both boobs at a feed?

[JellyBabyLady]

I have a 5 day old DD who seems to be getting on fine, feeding roughly every 2.5hrs through the day and every 4 hours through the night.

She has been a hungry, hungry hippo though and one boob has never satisfied her so she always ends up having both boobs at each feed. My MW has said that I need to give one boob per feed, alternating sides each feed. I did that with my elder DD but it just doesn't seem to work this time.

How bad is it to carry on with two boobs per feed?? I understand the fore/hind milk explanation etc but wanted to know if everyone does the alternating boob thing because I really can't see how I'll get it to work this time. TIA

They never used to say this, it seems new advice. (I had first child 13 years ago when they said start on the boob that was second last time)

I give one side for as long as seems feasible, but then give the other side too. I am a great one for doing what seems natural and I can't believe tribal women in the bush without health visitors don't just give their babies both sides.

coffee Those were my thoughts exactly, but thinking on what the MW said worried me that I'm doing the wrong thing. I'd hate DD to not gain weight well or something because I've done it wrong.

jellybabylady - you're not doing anything wrong! You're trusting your instinct and offering a second breast after the first one.
Sounds just great

It's your mw who is not quite up to speed with current advice.

Jelly, your midwife is mistaken. It is perfectly normal for a baby to have two breasts - there is nothing wrong with this, and many babies have two (or more!) breasts every time, some have one and the second one a little later, some only have one and the second one an hour or so later, and some have distinct separate feeds with one breast only. It matters not one jot - what does matter is to follow your baby's lead.

She has misunderstood foremilk/hindmilk if she thinks it is relevant to one breast or two.

There's a good explanation at www.kellymom.com - click on how breastfeeding works.

It is a real shame there is so much misunderstanding and confusion among HCPs.

No you aren't doind anything wrong, just make sure your baby completely finishes on the first side before switching over, don't worry about timing it or owt Then start on the second one next time...

Thank you all so much for putting my mind at ease, we'll carry on as we are then. I felt instinctively that it was ok but had a wobble.

Tiktok - I was really hoping that you'd respond, you really helped me with your advice last time I was bfeeding (in a previous mn name) and I really trust your advice.

I've found this on kellymom and I understand now!!

Thanks again

Please don't worry about 'completely finishing' breast one....not possible. Just follow your baby's lead to help you judge when to switch (slow sucks, fading; baby dozing...that sort of thing).

I have always gone by my instinct with feeding...from the beginning my Lo has never "come off" the boob she just changes the way she suckles. This always scared and worried me as Hv said wait til she comes off.. I would be waiting a year...really, so went with my feeling . I always give her both breasts as the different position seems to awaken her from milky drunkness and I try to make sure she has enough...If i take her off after ten mintues of lazy sucks and I can make her smile and not "ey" for anymore then I go by her judgement......her weight gain is great. You know your feeling, go with it xx

Sorry, I didn't mean that exactly, more that you shouldn't time yourself on one side and switch to other, but let the baby decide etc etc

Must be more careful when trying to help!