re breast feed how can she tell when to switch breast?

Answer 1

Generally the baby will go for a whole feed on one breast. Baby will drink until it is full or falls asleep. You only then change to the other breast for the next feed.

It is important to let baby feed fully on one breast until full as the first part of the feed is quite watery and fulfills babyies thirst. The hind milk is the filling part which gives baby the nutrients.

Occasionally baby may need to go on to the 2nd breast of the feed but this is not comon.

Some babies take longer to feed than others.

My son would take approx 30 mins (all on one breast) but my daughter was on and off again within 10 mins and done.

Good luck...

Answer 2

It's important to not switch too soon. The first milk is the foremilk - more watery. The longer into a nursing session comes the hindmilk, the richer fattier stuff. When babies only nurse the first side before the hindmilk lets down, then start the other breast they can get full on the watery stuff and not get enough of the fat. An imbalance can cause some digestive, poop issues, and possible weight issues. Let baby "finish" the first breast before switching to the 2nd. Then switch which one you start with - (ie: 8am, begin with right breast, end w/ left... 11am begin w/ left, end w/ right)

The baby will often just stop, pop off, or start fussing because nothing else is coming out. Just study the baby's actions and you'll learn. good luck

Answer 3

My daughter nurses on both breasts each time she eats. I switch sides after 15 minutes (and i use a clock to measure the time b/c my baby would nurse forever!). My pediatrician said to limit her to 15 minutes per side each time she feeds b/c any longer can cause my nipples to become irritated. Some times she comes off the breast after 10 minutes or so and i figure she just must be done.

Answer 4

I let my baby decide when to switch. He is three weeks old and when he either falls asleep or he coughs and lets go then I move him to the other. 5-10m minutes is too soon. My baby takes his time so it may take him 30 minutes per breast. You want to make sure he gets the dense hindmilk, that is what fills him up and will keep him satified until his next feeding. Otherwise he may not be getting enough and will be hungry sooner than later

Answer 5

I let my daughter nurse as long as she wants on each side. When she comes off, I burp her and offer the other breast. She usually nurses for a lot longer on the first breast, and I just offer the other side first the next time she eats.

I figure she knows better than I do how hungry she is!

Answer 6

switch after 5-10 minutes, unless the baby stops or gets fussy. If the baby only feeds on one side, start the next feeding on the other. good luck!

Answer 7

Bob why do you need to know?

I would say a breast feeder will know no matter if its her first time.

When the baby seems unhappy and not swallowing you know there is nothing in the breast. And also if the mother feels her breast you know if you are empty or have some in there.

Answer 8

With my kids I let them feed as long as they wanted on one side then change them and try them on the other side. Worked really well with mine!!

Answer 9

I used to switch when they popped off the nipple or dozed off.

Answer 10

10-12 minutes on one and then switch - more milk is produced that way.