Should you breastfeed on both sides every time?

The Importance of Balanced Breastfeeding: Should You Breastfeed on Both Sides Every Time?
Breastfeeding is often heralded as one of the most beneficial practices for both infants and mothers. However, a common question among new parents is whether they should breastfeed on both sides during each feeding session. The answer is multifaceted and depends on various factors, including the baby’s needs, the mother’s comfort, and the goals of the breastfeeding journey.
Understanding Milk Production
Breastfeeding on both sides can be beneficial for ensuring adequate milk production. The principle of supply and demand plays a crucial role here: the more milk the baby consumes, the more milk the mother produces. By offering both breasts during a feeding, mothers can stimulate milk production more effectively. This practice can be particularly important in the early weeks, when establishing a robust milk supply is essential.
Benefits of Switching Sides
1. Balanced Feeding: Alternating sides can help ensure that both breasts are adequately drained, which may help prevent issues such as plugged ducts or mastitis. By breastfeeding on both sides, mothers can promote an even distribution of milk and reduce the risk of discomfort.
2. Nutritional Variety: Each breast produces a slightly different composition of milk, particularly in terms of fat content. By switching sides, infants may receive a more balanced intake of nutrients, including the higher-fat hindmilk that comes towards the end of a feeding session.
3. Encouraging Latch: Some babies may have a preference for one breast over the other. By encouraging them to breastfeed on both sides, mothers can help their babies develop a more balanced feeding pattern and potentially avoid preferences that could complicate breastfeeding.
When to Consider Feeding on One Side
While there are many benefits to breastfeeding on both sides, there are also scenarios where feeding on one side may be appropriate. For instance:
– Filling Up: If the baby seems satisfied and has effectively drained one breast, it may not be necessary to switch sides for that session. Some infants may be content with just one side, especially if they are older and more efficient at breastfeeding.
– Comfort and Pain: If a mother is experiencing discomfort or pain in one breast due to conditions like engorgement or sore nipples, it may be wise to focus on the more comfortable side until the issue is resolved.
Conclusion: The Flexible Approach
Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed on both sides every time should be guided by the individual needs of the baby and the comfort of the mother. Flexibility is key; each breastfeeding session can be different, and mothers should feel empowered to adapt their approach. Consulting with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance, ensuring that both mother and baby have a positive breastfeeding experience. In the end, whether it’s on one side or both, the goal remains the same: fostering a healthy bond and nourishing the baby.

Should I offer both breasts at every feed?

Offer one breast per feed. Don’t swap sides unless the first breast feels very soft after the baby finishes feeding from it. If your baby wants a top-up feed within an hour, feed again from the same breast. If the baby is still hungry after the first breast is ‘finished’, then you can offer the second breast.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

How do I know when to switch breasts?

When your baby’s sucking slows down or stops, slip a finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suction. Switch sides and offer the other breast.

How often should you breastfeed on each side?

Many newborns nurse about 10 to 15 minutes on each side, but they may take much longer. A range is normal. Older babies may take five to 10 minutes or less on each side, but again – it varies. Be sure to alternate breasts so that they get roughly the same amount of nursing time.

What if my baby wants to nurse right after I pump?

Pump between breastfeeding, either 30-60 minutes after nursing or at least one hour before breastfeeding. This should leave plenty of milk for your baby at your next feeding. If your baby wants to breastfeed right after breast pumping, let them!

Is it necessary to feed from both breasts at a time?

You may be told to keep putting your baby back to the first breast in order to ‘drain the breast’ fully. But if your baby came off the breast on their own, they will get more milk by moving to the second side. Most mums breastfeed from both breasts at a feed but it is possible to fully breastfeed from just one breast.

What is flutter feeding?

At the end of the feed, you will notice your baby ‘flutter sucking’ with occasional swallows and this is actually when he/ she gets the fattiest bit of the feed which is essential. So don’t interrupt your baby when he/ she gets to this stage as it’s essential for gaining weight well.

What will happen if I only breastfeed from one side?

If one side preference continues
In most cases it is possible to make enough milk. But it depends on the storage capacity of the breast. A baby who feeds only on one side may need to feed more often than a baby taking both sides. Each breast may be a different size if your baby is feeding only on one side.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Should I nurse on both sides every feeding?

If baby is interested in both sides at a feeding, offer both. Otherwise, each time baby is interested in feeding, switch the side you start on. This stimulates both breasts and helps promote a good milk supply. If your baby is sleepy and does not wake for feeds at least every 3 hours, wake baby to feed.