Author Topic: going back to single-sided feedings after growth-spurt  (Read 882 times)

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Offline jittrz

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going back to single-sided feedings after growth-spurt
« on: November 03, 2009, 16:47:01 pm »
Okay...so my almost 5 month old son went through a growth spurt a month or so ago.  We had been on single-sided feedings but had to up his intake so we went to both breasts at a feed. How do I go about returning to single-sided feedings? My nipples aren't used to such wear and tear!! Help!
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Offline ~ Vik ~

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Re: going back to single-sided feedings after growth-spurt
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2009, 15:18:22 pm »
Hi and (((hugs))) :)

that's a tough one!  Some los just seem to naturally single side feeders, while others are double. I found that even during growth spurts my ds would often refuse the second side when offered to him... So you may now simply have a DS feeder  :-\

You can try to coax him back to single side feeding, but it may take some work. Once he pops off the first breast, you could burp and then offer the same side again, perhaps while doing http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=88759.0 , to ensure that he's gotten every drop out before switching to the second side. You could also pump the first side he fed on about 15 minutes after feeds. You might get little to nothing out, but it will stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. Anything you do get out you could use to top up the next feed, to lessen his reliance on taking the second breast, until your breasts are making enough to sustain him with a SS feed.  I would always offer the second breast though! I generally do, even though my ds rejects it 90% of the time. I just want to make sure he has enough!

Hth, and good luck :) Just remember that it may be a long road, and it may not work out perfectly... Try leaving some breastmilk on your nipples and expose them to air for a bit after feeds if possible. And some moms find that Lanisoh ointment works wonders, and you don't have to wash it off! That should help ease some of you discomfort through the process :)

Vikki :)
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