Nursing only on one side?

Question

My 2 week old falls asleep quickly when breastfeeding and its impossible to wake her back up. Should I give her like 4 or 5 min on one side, switch her and then let her eat on the other side until shes full and just make sure each side gets equal eating time? Or should I let her empty one breast one feeding and the other the next? Sometimes if I try and switch her shes like ok I'm done when if I had just let her be she might have kept eating on that one side. Any advice? Shes gaining plenty of weight she gained 3 1/2 oz in 3 days last week so the doc says thats good.

Answer 1

yes: One side at a time
Nursing : take turns each feed.
So she has one for a whole feed.
Then you remember ( you will probably feel) to give her the other side next time.
The reason for this: The first milk she takes from you is more liquid ,and is the babies drink, as she continues to feed the milk changes and has more protein and is the babies meal.
This is what we were told by our midwife.
To make sure you are getting correct information go to the
La Leche League website.
www.lalecheleague.com
Congratulations on your baby,and for giving her the best start in life.
Best wishes to you both
http://www.lalecheleague.com/membership.html

Answer 2

My baby was the same way. He would fall asleep after one breast and it was nearly impossible to wake him up again. Try skin on skin nursing - it will help keep her stimulated. As for the one side nursing thing....its OK just as long as you remember which side you need to nurse on next. Also, make sure you feel the letdown, tingly sensation in the breast and baby takes longer draws on the breast. The letdown lets you know that your baby is getting the hind milk. My baby is fine and dandy and yours will be too! Just keep on nursing and trust your instincts!

Answer 3

I was told to breastfeed on one side for one feeding, then feed her on the other side for the next feeding.
Don't switch half way through a feed because that will just confuse baby.

Just carry on doing what you were doing, sounds like it was working for you!
Congratulations on your baby, and also on making the breastfeeding decision.

Answer 4

my son always drank both sides but my daughter only drinks from one side per feeding...don't sweat it. Babies do what babies need!
My kids at 3 months weighed exactly the same even though they ate different. My son would feed for 45 minutes my daughter takes less then 10 minutes. My daughter is still three months my son is 2 years. If your baby is content and gaining weight you are doing great!!!

Answer 5

It's better for your milk supply to breastfeed on both sides at each feeding, even if it means 5 minutes on each side. And you should try and start each feeding on the breast you finished on the previous feeding.

Answer 6

I read that its important especially in the early weeks to make sure the baby stimulates both breasts to make sure your milk supply will maintain and increase and thay you should take any measure to wake them up for that full feed rather than snacking cause they are fine with snacking but its bad for u both.

Answer 7

I would feed one breast per feeding...Or 20 min each side. The good milk is behind the letdown milk

Answer 8

I think that you should see how long she eats for and split it between breasts.But if she eats on one side and falls asleep and you can't wake her, pump the other side for the amount of time she was on the first one, just to keep it even.

Answer 9

Maybe it's the cocaine in your milk thats putting her to sleep. I know you care about your baby, but care MORE! Get her on formula & get help for yourself for both of your sakes. Please let someone help you.

Answer 10

Try patting a damp cloth on her forehead to wake her up.