If baby only nurses one side, should I pump the other?

courtneyklv

Sometimes she will do both..sometimes one. I then try to alternate.  If I am feeling like the unused side is getting too fill or achy..should I pump it?

N&G 5_26_07

My DD has been doing just one side 95% of the time. I try to get her to take the other and she is just too sleepy. I just make sure I alternate which side I begin with each feeding.

 

I don't have an answer for you - but that is what we have been doing. 

courtneyklv

I think I would be ok if she were eating every 2 hours..but sometimes it is 4..so if I wait that long..the alternate side would take a LONG time to get used..hmm

N&G 5_26_07

DD has been the same way. I know she is only 3 days old at this point, but she is going 4+ hours between some feedings, and only 1.2-2 between others. we obviously do not have any sort of patterns.

haziedaze

I wouldn't- your body is trying to get in synch with what baby needs. Around this time you are prone to developing oversupply, esp if you pump off extra. This kellymom article is worth a read https://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html It helped me really understand how it all worked which has helped me make better decisions while breastfeeding. HTH!

ETA: If the opposite side gets really uncomfortable you could pump or hand express a TINY bit off (like 1/2 an oz) to soften the breast some. What's important is that full breast will tell your body to slow production some which will allow you to get in synch better with baby. You don't want to end up with oversupply- sounds great, but it's a PITA and can cause issues for baby, trust me!

tarahnpaul

Just express enough to relieve discomfort.  If you pump, you're going to end up with an oversupply.  I know a lot of people struggle with low supply but oversupply is no fun either.

Is he going 4 hours between feedings during the day? 

diamondcks

I agree with not pumping and just switching which side you nurse on.  DS was a one-sided nurser for the first 8-months.  I would try to get LO to nurse more often than ever 4-hours, that is a really long time for a newborn.