How to breastfeed and when to switch breasts?

When he stops suckling and swallowing, or when he falls asleep, you'll want to switch him to the other breast. If he hasn't released the first breast, simply slip your finger into the corner of his mouth to break the suction (and protect your nipple) before removing him from your breast.

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How do I alternate my breasts when breastfeeding?

Alternate the breast that you start each feeding with.

Let your baby stay at the first breast until either the breast is very soft or your baby is full. If your baby is not satisfied with the first breast, offer the second breast.

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When should I offer a second breast?

Some babies want frequent short feeds, and others prefer feeding for longer, or a mixture of both. Let your baby finish the first breast, then offer the second. If your baby feeds all the time and you're worried, speak to a midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist.

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Should I offer both breasts at night?

If a mother only offers one breast per feed in the early weeks, it could hinder her ability to establish a good milk supply. The baby will potentially be getting half as much milk as they could be getting, and the mother's milk supply will potentially be getting half as much stimulation.

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Does switching breasts increase milk supply?

Emptying your breasts by switching back and forth increases milk flow which will increase your milk supply. You can combine breast compression and switch nursing or do just one or the other.

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Breastfeeding Tips: When do I switch breasts?

37 related questions found

How do I know when to switch sides while breastfeeding?

If your baby's swallowing has slowed, they have started to fall asleep, and/or they seem frustrated at the breast, it's time to switch sides. Sometimes switching breasts multiple times per feeding can be useful, especially in cases of sleepy babies or low milk supply.

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Should I switch breasts every feeding?

Do I need to switch breasts during the feeding? If your baby is nursing and seems content, there's no need to stop and switch breasts. A baby that is content at the breast seems relaxed. But if it appears that they are still hungry after eating from one breast, offer your second breast until they are full.

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Is a 10 minute feed long enough for a newborn?

Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side.

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Can I go 6 hours without breastfeeding?

These sessions don't need to be evenly spaced, but you should be nursing/pumping at least once during the night in the first few months or anytime you notice a decrease in supply. Avoid going longer than 5-6 hours without pumping during the first few months.

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Do I need to burp baby after side lying breastfeeding?

There are no rules on when you should burp your baby, some babies need burping during their feed, some after. Look for clues – if your baby seems uncomfortable while feeding, have a little burping break. If they seem fine while feeding, wait until they've finished. Your baby will let you know!

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What is the two week rule for breast?

The symptomatic breast 2ww standard should ensure that all patients (men and women) with breast symptoms (where cancer is not suspected) are seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of a referral being received from their GP or other relevant health professional.

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What are the signs of overfeeding a baby?

2. What are the most common signs of overfeeding a baby?
  • Gassiness or burping.
  • Frequent spit up.
  • Vomiting after eating.
  • Fussiness, irritability or crying after meals.
  • Gagging or choking.

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Should I wait for baby to unlatch?

A baby will unlatch naturally when she's finished breastfeeding. You shouldn't ever have to take your baby off your breast. Whether she falls asleep or just pulls away, she'll know when to unlatch when she's ready.

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Do I need to offer both sides breastfeeding?

You can switch sides and nurse on both breasts at every feeding or breastfeed from only one side. It's down to your (and your baby's) preference. Breastfeeding from only one side is usually not a concern, especially if you have an established milk supply.

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Is it OK to nurse only one side per feeding?

It is best to “finish” one side and then offer the other. The approach of feeding one side without “listening” to the baby ends up with a decrease in milk supply. Many mothers will keep the baby on the first breast until the baby is completely asleep. Thus, the baby may not take the second side even if offered it.

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How can I even out my milk supply in both breasts?

Breast compressions can be a great way to do this. To do breast compressions, massage the low performing side while you pump, moving your hands around and pushing as much milk out of the milk ducts as possible. Take a break every few minutes to let your hands rest and then start again.

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Why is mixed feeding not recommended?

Regular mixed feeding with formula can make breastfeeding more challenging as it can interfere with your milk supply. Some babies may start to prefer drinking from a bottle. The way you feed your baby is a personal choice. You may choose to feed your baby just expressed breastmilk as you prefer to feed using a bottle.

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How long does it take for a breast to refill?

To put a number on it, it usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes after feeding to generate enough milk for your baby, and about 60 minutes to replenish fully. The more often your baby feeds, and the more they empty your breasts, the more milk your body will produce.

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What is the 2 hour rule for breastfeeding?

If a mother has consumed more than a moderate amount of alcohol, she may choose to wait 2 hours (per drink) to breastfeed her child, or feed her infant with milk that had been previously expressed when she had not been drinking, to reduce her infant's exposure to alcohol.

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What happens if baby falls asleep after one breast?

Falling asleep at the breast is a normal behaviour and is mostly due to a hormone called cholecystokinin or CCK. CCK makes your baby feel full and sleepy and it is released in your babies gut as soon as they start sucking.

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How fast can a baby drain a breast?

Some babies are snackers – they nurse for a minute or two, take a break, and then go back. Other babies can drain the breast in two minutes and be satisfied for a few hours. It depends on how much milk you're making and your let down, too.

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How do you know if your breast is empty?

How do I know whether my breasts are empty? There's no test or way to know for sure. In general, though, if you gently shake your breasts and they feel mostly soft and you don't feel the heaviness of milk sitting in them, you're probably fine.

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Should I always hold my breast while breastfeeding?

You may only need to use a breast hold for a short time. As your baby gets older, breastfeeding becomes more established, and you become more confident, you might find that you no longer need to hold your breast when your baby latches on to breastfeed. American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Should I burp baby between breasts?

We recommend if you're breastfeeding to burp in between breasts when you are offering them breasts for breastfeeding. If you are bottle feeding actually about every one to two ounces is appropriate.

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Do you need to burp a breastfed baby?

Do breastfed babies need to be burped? In general, breastfed babies don't need as much burping as bottle-fed babies because they tend to swallow less air when feeding. In fact, some very efficient nursers don't need to be burped at all. But some breastfed babies definitely do need to be burped.

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