When to move to the next breast?

[Lara310809]

I know it's important to finish a feed on one breast before moving to the other, but before you have your milk in, how do you know when to do this? I didn't think I had much colostrum but my LO can be sucking on one breast for 30 mins, and then other times she comes off after 2 mins. If she's only done 2 mins on one breast, do I put her back on the same breast for the next feed, or onto the other? It's not like I can feel if it's still full

 

[lisaf]

Truly, you can do whatever seems to satisfy her. Some babies will want to switch before they have fully emptied a breast because they want the foremilk which is more watery and satisfies instantly.. .so you switch them over, then they're 'done' with the watery stuff and want the fattier stuff so you switch them back. Some kids go back and forth a lot during a feed before they are done.
Some women manage to feed on one side per feed. Just make sure you alternate at least every other feed, or whenever your LO comes off but doesn't seem satisfied. Thats what I'd recommend anyway

 

[sailing_girl]

I believe the rule of thumb is 10 minutes per side.....that way it stimulates milk production in both breasts...

 

[VillageGirl]

Think it varies feed to feed throughout the breastfeeding journey. My LO will come off the breast when finished and then I switch. When I have switched if he original breast still feels a little full I will go back to that one or at the very least start the next feed on th first breast again.