Confused on feeding: one breast or two?

QUESTION: I am a first-time mother with a 3.5 week old son. I had a super-fast letdown in one breast so I had started limiting my feedings to only one breast every 2 hrs. The problem seems to have gotten better, but now how do I feed him on both breasts? I know you are suppose to switch breasts. When the baby lets go of the first breast, try to offer the second and then start with the last breast at the next feeding. But I have a rather slow eater who likes to nap during meals. If he feeds off one breast for 8-10 minutes and wants to sleep do I start with the second at the next feeding? If he gets fussy and wakes up do I offer the first breast or offer the second after 15 minutes? I am very confused on this subject matter. I would appreciate any suggestions!

Lisa,

It sounds like you feel confused about how and when to feed. Since you are asking how to feed Daniel from both breast, what pattern have you been doing? Many mothers who have a fast let down find that their baby will nurse on one breast per feed, even if this means that the baby feeds on the left and then two hours later he feeds on the right (this pattern may continue all day). How is Daniel doing weight wise? How are his diapers? Does he seem to be a content and happy baby? There are babies who seem to have their own feeding patterns!!

In your situation, you may continue to feed Daniel on one side and, regardless of how long he stays on that side, try to offer him the other side. If he does not take it, then offer him the side he did not take the next time that he wants to nurse. You do not need to wake him or force him to take the other side. Now, depending on how soon or which breast he stopped nursing before taking his nap, you can either offer him the same breast or the other one.

I have had fast letdowns for all three of my children and it was hard to figure out what to do. For example, if Daniel has just nursed on the breast with the super fast letdown and then falls asleep only to wake up fussy about 10 or 15 minutes later then you can offer the same breast.  If however, he sleeps for an hour or so then you can offer him the other breast.  Don't watch the clock, watch Daniel and feel your breasts for the one that you feel may need to be emptied.  Once your milk is established, your breasts will accommodate.  Remember, that it is not important or mandatory to feed on both breasts each time.

Lisa, if you continue to encounter super fast let-downs which Daniel seems to choke on, don't forget that you can always sit him a little more upright to nurse him much like if he is sitting on your lap facing you. You can also allow the milk to drip onto a cloth and then offer Daniel the breast again. Good luck.

Yvonne C. Bannister, B Sc, CBC, LLLL, IBCLC

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