Breastfeeding

One side Vs Both sides per feeding ?

Hey!

My 7 week old DD has been nursing only one side per feeding since birth.  I have had a LOT of milk and used to have an overactive let down that we have pretty much gotten through now.  I am no longer engorged and only leak when she sleeps extra long at night, instead of all the time.

She has suddenly been pulling on my nipple and getting fussy when she would normally be done eating on one side.  After some experimentation (burping, checking diaper, offering second side) I found that she was still hungry after finishing one side for the first time so far.  

My question is does this mean my supply has dropped?  Or just that her appetite has increased?  Is it normal for a baby this age to go from being satisfied with one side to needing to eat both?  I also though about reflux....Does it seem like this is normal or indicative of a low supply or reflux problem?

 Thanks so much, all your advice is always great!

Re: One side Vs Both sides per feeding ?

  • How much does she weigh?  I was just reading the baby whisperer, and she advocates nursine on one side per feeding.  However, she says that once your LO reaches 12 lb you will probably need to start offering both sides.
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  • The great thing about BF-ing is that babies are able to self-regulate.  I have seen when DD has refused the breast or unlatches when she's done.  So I say go ahead and offer both sides and if LO doesn't want to eat then they will stop. 
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  • Sometimes my DD will only nurse from one side and other times both sides. I think it just depends on the baby, how hungry he/she is, the time of day. I usually offer her the second side just in case she's still hungry.
  • I nursed one side for the first 4 months - then it seemed like LO wasn't satisfied and was always taking the other side if offered - so I made the switch.  I also pumped the side that wasn't used if offered to build a supply.
  • Thanks so much guys!  It sounds like this is pretty normal and I shouldn't worry too much about losing my supply or anything.  I like the suggestion of pumping the other side if she doesn't eat from both!  I have no idea how much she weighs but I wouldn't be surprised if she was hitting the 12 pound mark.  She had a growth spurt last week and feels so heavy to me now, and she did gain a lot and quickly right after birth.

    Thanks!

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