Quick question

[ProudArmyWife]

So we are still new at this whole nursing thing and I was wondering if I'm nursing correctly. Right now I am currently changing breasts at each feeding but have read of people who feed off one breast and then offer the same breast at the next feeding to "drain" the breast and then switch to the next breast. So I guess my question is is there a right or wrong way to offer breasts or is it more just preference? Does offering one breast each feed give baby enough milk? Should I be offering both breast at each feed?

 

[fieryphoenix]

It's just preference really, as long as over 24 hours both breasts get about equal nursing time you'll be fine. In terms of one or both breasts at a feeding, I'd go by your baby. If she seems content with one that's fine, if she still seems hungry go with both!

 

[ProudArmyWife]

Thank you! I'm really new at this and haven't had much instruction or guidance. We are just kind of learning as we go

 

[Berri]

DS would only feed one side each feed, if I tried to swap him over (as the midwives suggested), he would get cranky and not feed. So we found that one side per feed worked best for us (in those early days it was sooooo easy to tell which side was due next... ouch!).

 

[wanting2010]

My LO started off feeding on both sides but after a few weeks I found that he was satisfied with just one side. You will find what works for you and your baby...there's really no hard and fast rules about what's best IMO! Feeding on the same breast for more than one feeding in a row is called block feeding and is good for helping with an oversupply to make sure baby is getting the more fatty milk, but you have to be careful with that because it can reduce your supply.

 

[Kelly M]

Same here, Carter is usually satisfied with just one breast. I always offer the other but he rarely takes it. Just alternate which one you start with (even if lo takes both sides, start on the opposite each time). There's no right or wrong, just follow your baby's lead. Congrats and good luck!

 

[Harley Quinn]

One reason to make sure that baby "drains" one breast before switching is that the foremilk (what comes out first) is much more watery than the hindmilk (it comes out last and is fattier). If baby gets too much foremilk it can make their poo more watery. Plus, the hindmilk is really good for them for weight gain and such.

So, I always tried to make sure my son was totally done with one side before switching. Most times he would feed a majority on one breast and then a little while on the other. Then I'd just start the next feeding on the one he didn't quite finish off.

Best of luck! You'll get the hang of it soon enough!

 

[ProudArmyWife]

Thanks for all the advice ladies I always assumed breastfeeding was just really easy but in fact it's not and I feel like I have a lot to learn. Me and lo are getting into a good rhythm though and I'm hoping it just gets easier as we go

 

[firsttime83]

I read somewhere if you switch between breasts baby can get too much foremilk and cause a sore belly. Of course it may not happen to most babies, but since I have been switching I have a very fussy gassy baby and am going to try and go back to one per feeding to see if it makes a difference.

BTW, breastfeeding is definitely a learning experience for everyone and you are not alone! It's tough, but good for you to stick with it

 

[sjtttc]

Does anyone know how to tell if you've drained a breast properly? I check when she starts to get fussy/frustrated with my hand and give it a squeeze. There's always some there so I don't know why she's getting angry? Any suggestions?

 

[sjtttc]

Does anyone know how to tell if you've drained a breast properly? I check when she starts to get fussy/frustrated with my hand and give it a squeeze. There's always some there so I don't know why she's getting angry? Any suggestions?

 

[Harley Quinn]

I always waited until Ozzy "fell off" on his own. Then I'd offer him the same breast and if he came off again on his own right away, then I knew it was time to switch. Also, you might notice a difference in the consistency of the milk when you check. It might look whiter/thicker than what first comes out. I also would make sure to kind of massage my breast towards the end of a feed to make sure all the milk was getting down. Helped to prevent any clogged ducts too.

 

[Rachel_C]

You won't 'drain' a breast completely because your boobs continue making milk during the feed. Even if you have used up any milk stored in advance, baby will still be getting some milk (probably just more slowly) so if you try to express and get some, it doesn't mean baby hasn't had enough from that side.

In general it's best to go with what baby wants. If he/she comes off the breast and looks for the other side, give it them! If they want to switch back a bit later, let them! You should only need to think about it if there's a problem e.g. green poos, unhappy baby etc. If baby is fine and your boobs feel fine, it's fine!