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Author Topic: How do I switch from 2 sided to 1 sided feedings  (Read 1151 times)

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Offline rbmama

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How do I switch from 2 sided to 1 sided feedings
« on: February 12, 2006, 16:59:08 pm »
My 4mo old son nurses on both breasts each feed usually 10min first side then 5min the second breast.  I want to start doing one sided feedings but when he starts to bob off an on the first one around 10min I give a squeeze and get nothing out.  He is obviously still hungry so I put him to the other side.  How do I make the switch?
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Offline Samuel's mum

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Re: How do I switch from 2 sided to 1 sided feedings
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2006, 18:36:35 pm »
Before I make any suggestions can I just ask why you want to switch to one-sided feeding at this point? Lots of people start with 2-sided feeding and find it works for them. I know Tracy advocated one-sided feeding but it doesn't always work for everyone. It sounds as though what you are doing now is working well so why do you feel the need?
(If we know your motivation it might adjust our suggestions.)
Thanks
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Offline JacobMarksMummy

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Re: How do I switch from 2 sided to 1 sided feedings
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2006, 20:32:45 pm »
It sounds to me more as though you are worried about your supply? Whichever it is I suggest the same, drink plenty of water, you are now reaching the pinicle of your supply, he is eating more so you need to drink plenty. Also rest and eat well. Get back to us and we will advise you more   :)

Looking forward to hearing from you  :D
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Offline rbmama

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Re: How do I switch from 2 sided to 1 sided feedings
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2006, 21:00:33 pm »
I am worried that if he has a growth spurt I won't have the extra to satify him.  I'm also a little worried about my supply. Most of the time he does fine but twice yesterday he finished the first side in 5 minutes!  I was surprised that he was bobbing on and off so I gave a squeeze and it was empty.  He nursed 10 minutes the second and I was empty then too and he was acting hungry still.  I had a small amout pumped and in the freezer so I defrosted it and he took another 3 oz.  Other times though he does what he normally does.  Is this a normal variation because today the feeds have been fine.
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Offline Samuel's mum

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Re: How do I switch from 2 sided to 1 sided feedings
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2006, 21:42:13 pm »
How regularly are you feeding? What kind of schedule are you on?
Babies get faster as they get older and more efficient - it doesn't necessarily mean less milk. When you squeeze your breast you aren't stimulating it in the way a baby does (unless you are 'hand expressing' which takes a bit of experience.) A normal squeeze from you doesn't reproduce what he does at the breast. It is more than likely he is still getting something out when you are not. Even if it is just a small trickle, it will be something. The breast doesn't really go completely 'dry' for the baby as the body continues to manufacture milk during a feed.
The best way to increase supply is to give him more time at the breast. Even if he is bobbing on and off I would keep him at the same breast a bit longer. When your baby 'has a growth spurt' it means he is feeding more to increase your supply in preparation for his increased needs. The way to respond to it is to avoid supplementation and focus on nursing time. Have a look at some of the other recent posts about low supply. There are lots of suggestions there including  definitely making sure you are drinking enough yourself as mentioned by jacobmarksmummy.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2006, 21:53:16 pm by Samuel's mum »
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Offline daisymelan

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Re: How do I switch from 2 sided to 1 sided feedings
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2006, 22:28:31 pm »
I have been feeding from both sides since my ds turned about 4 months.  If I ever feel he needs a bit more, I just switch him back to the first breast.  This works for us.  Can you hear you lo swallow?   That's how I know how much he's getting.  Both breasts seem to work well for us.

Be confident your body will make the shift comfortably if there is a growth spurt.  Just keep doing the great job you are! 

 :)
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