how to do one-sided feeding?

[KimT]

Hi all

I had my DD 9 days ago and i have some questions regarding one-sided feeding that Tracey discusses in her book.

When i was in hospital i was offering one side and then if she still looked hungry i was offering the 2nd.

When i got out of hospital i quickly re-read Tracey's comments on one-sided feeding. I started to offer just one side but i am concerned that i am not giving her enough. She falls asleep after 10-15 mins after the first side because she has drained me but then if i offer the 2nd side she is keen to feed off that side (she quickly becomes alert to feed).

I have been feeding every 3 hours as per Tracey's advice but my breasts since leaving hospital 3 days ago are heaps softer and I believe since i started the one-sided approach i have mucked up my milk supply.

I don't have overly big boobs and i am thinking that due to my size i can't do the one-sided thing???

Can anyone that has experienced this help me?

I am starting to doubt myself and my supply.

thanks
Kim

[Samuel's mum]

Not everyone on this site does the one-sided thing. Perhaps in your case it's not right for you and your baby.

but then if i offer the 2nd side she is keen to feed off that side (she quickly becomes alert to feed).

I would say that if she still seems to want the second side then do offer it - You wouldn't want to develop her snacking.

Plenty of people do double-sided feeding from the beginning (even with big boobs) and don't even think anything different is an option. I really wouldn't worry whether you can manage single-sided or not. Just make sure she is choosing to come off the first side and/or has had a really good first side feed so she gets the hindmilk. Then start with the second side first the next time.

Tracy says use your common sense and mummy instincts. In this case it sounds as though double-sied feeding is right for you.

Newborns usually feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. If she's happily going 3 hours then that's great but don't feel you have to make it to 3 hours if she seems hungry before then. Many of us start on 2-2.5 hours. The more you feed in this early stage the more milk you will produce. The first few weeks are really important in establishing your milk supply. I wouldn't worry about mucking anything up. It can be fixed. Feed frequently and talk to a helpline if you have concerns - numbers are on the FAQ page.

[Lilah'sMommy]

I never single-side fed... I tend to get very engorged if I try that.  I would just wait until one breast was drained and DD seemed to slow way down or come off the breast, then offer the second.  She'd usually take a good helping from that one, too.  I don't think there are actually that many women on here who do single-side feeding; I think the majority do double side.  Do what seems right for you and your baby.