Breastfeeding question

[Lizbiz89]

This may be a stupid question but I would like to know in case it affects supply. I'm breastfeeding my 4 day old baby and my milk has just come in. Mostly when my baby goes on he clears the milk completely out and then I'll either put him on the other side or finish. However sometimes he'll go on one breast for comfort for a few minutes which means that my breast isn't completely emptied. I'm not sure if I should put him back on the same breast when he wants to feed again or go onto the other one? Would be great if anyone could let me know what they do in that situation. Obviously I don't want to affect supply or cause an infection.

I always put little one back on the same breast if the second feed was within an hour. Otherwise I swapped it. If you are feeling engorged and baby doesn't want to feed at that point, you can always hand express the excess to ease any discomfort. Congratulations on your baby!

Not a stupid question and congratulations on your new baby! Your baby will start to regulate your supply as it's a supply and demand type thing going on. As baby feeds your body will soon know how much to make. Obviously this changes a lot over time! If it were me I would try either put baby back on the full breast first next feed or express off a little bit after the feed. Don't do it too much though or you will just create more. Enough for comfort. Now my baby is 8 months and supply is obviously fully established I try and alternate but if one breast is full or feels a bit blocked I will put him on that one first. Does that make sense?! I'm not sure there is one right answer :) you will find your way soon x

I've always practised "switch feeding" - if baby naturally comes off I offer him the other side. This sometimes means he's on both sides twice a feed. I start with whichever boob feels fullest.

Your breasts are never completely empty and as long as baby is transferring milk well and you give them free access to your breasts, they'll get what they need and your supply will regulate. If one breast ever gets painfully engorged or you notice an obvious blocked spot, obviously prioritise draining and unblocking it, but otherwise you don't really need to overthink it. Most people end up with one boob that the baby "prefers".