single- or double-side?

[maggiesmom76]

I've seen lots of conflicting information about whether to BF from one side or two at each feeding.  Seems like lots of people on this site are switching sides, but I've typically been just doing one side (unless DD seems like she's still hungry -- then I'll switch).  I'm wondering if I'm doing my LO a disservice by just doing one side?  I've also noticed a decrease in my supply lately and wonder if switching sides would help that.  Any thoughts?  BTW, DD is 7.5 weeks if that matters. 

[Jocasta]

If your lo is satisfied and content between feeds on just one side, then that's all she needs. 

Basically the current advice is to let lo nurse on the first breast for as long as she'll go naturally.  When she comes off herself, offer the first side again.  When she's flat out refusing to go back on the first side, offer the second.  You'll then learn if it's worth offering the second side...

With DD1 I had to double side feed due to supply issues. With DD2, the only time she's taken from the second side is during growth spurts. 

What makes you think you've had a decrease in supply?  Check out: http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=65905.0

If you are definitely experiencing a supply issue (and that's always assuming that the decrease isn't just your supply adjusting as it's about the time that it'd become properly established), then double side feeding or even switch nursing (going back to the first breast when baby has finished with the second), will help to boost your supply.

HTH

Happy New Year!

Jo x

[LeeLeeMelis]

I always read and have been told that feeding on one side allows the baby to reach the calorie rich hind milk which sustains them longer between feedings. I have always fed my son on one side and if he is still hungry offered the second. This also helps when I want to pump, I feed him on one and pump the other. I agree with Jo as she always knows what she's talking about. I hope that helps!

Melissa

[~*~Louisa~*~]

I did breast feeding peer support training and we were told to reccomend single side feeding as double side feeding will quench thirst and not hunger as they are getting two lots of the fore milk rather then the hind milk that they need for the calories

Also double sided feeding will reduce your supply as when your baby manages to acctually suckle your breast dry they carrying on suckling tells your breast you need more milk and it will not only produce more there and then but it will long term, if you switch sides your breast will assume your bby doesnt need any more milk then your currently producing

if you ever find your baby has suckled you dry you will know about it as "dry suckling" is uncomfortable (same feeling as a bad latch, never assume its dry suckling unless you have managed a pain free feed first and make sure you can rule out bad latch) but after letting your baby dry suckle your breast will then suddenly produce some more milk

If you have supply issues double sided feeding can help but you should make sure that you empty the first breast to the point of dry sucklinng and then after offering the second breast putting the baby back on the first to dry suckle on it to send the message for more milk

[Jenbutterfly2]

I struggled with this issue as well and kept changing from both sides initially to only one side per feeding.  I think it did lower my supply a bit when DS was 2 months old - he was only gaining about 4 oz a week because he wasn't getting enough and that's when he became very frustrated with BF.  Personally, I would suggest letting your LO finish the first breast (to get the hindmilk) and then offer the second to see if she's interested.  I don't see how this will hurt anything and I'm sure you'd rather have a full happy baby, then a frantic hungry baby. 

[Jocasta]

Also double sided feeding will reduce your supply as when your baby manages to acctually suckle your breast dry they carrying on suckling tells your breast you need more milk and it will not only produce more there and then but it will long term, if you switch sides your breast will assume your bby doesnt need any more milk then your currently producing

Sorry to be picky but I just need to point out that in actual fact, switch nursing is actually an established and well known way of INCREASING supply and so long as you allow your baby to nurse for as long as they like on each breast - it'll do nothing but help your supply.  Switching between breasts only limits supply when you are putting certain time constraints on it - i.e. five minutes per side etc...

HTH

[Diana1981]

Ditto what Jo said.

[maggiesmom76]

Thank you for all of these answers -- things are definitely going better and my supply is back up (I had my period earlier this week, and I think that's why it was down).  So one more question: I'm trying to pump a lot because I go back to work in 4 weeks.  I had been just pumping whichever side DD had fed on, basically cleaning that one out.  I'm considering pumping on both sides after every feeding, but worried that when she goes to eat again there'll be nothing in there.  Is this a legitimate concern or am I just being crazy?

[Jocasta]

You're not being crazy but at the same time you shouldn't worry about it.  The best way to ensure a decent pumping yeild is actually to pump on the side that baby is feeding from WHILE you are feeding.  This takes advantage of all those lovely milk making hormones that the mother to baby bond creates.  Worked wonders for me.  Unfortunately, Mae now wont let me pump while she feeds - she's too darn nosey  

[maggiesmom76]

You said to pump from the side she's feeding from while I'm feeding -- you meant to pump on the other side, right?  I'll definitely try that.  Maggie is only 8 weeks but already nosey so we may have the same problem as you did!

[Jocasta]

lol yes I did mean the OTHER side   We made it to eight months before it became completely impossible   Good luck!

[Diana1981]

ok. I also found a little weird what you wrote Jo.

[Jocasta]

ok. I also found a little weird what you wrote Jo.

  I'm entitled to a wonky typo from time to time