https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 05 May 2026 17:00:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-from-only-one-side-at-all-not-per-session#post-2922912 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 14:32:29 +0000 JennyPenny 2922912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the replies, ladies. They were super helpful. I had some concern that I may either get clogs or stop producing altogether if we used only one side but it seems like many have had success with it so I’m feeling relieved I don’t have to try and force it with the low producer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-from-only-one-side-at-all-not-per-session#post-2922909 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 09:06:41 +0000 Jess1483 2922909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My right side produces way more, and I overproduce if I nurse on both sides. Since LO2 was maybe 3 months, I’ve nursed exclusively on the right. She’s nearly 2! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-from-only-one-side-at-all-not-per-session#post-2922908 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 01:28:55 +0000 Corduroy 2922908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1 breastfed from one side because I gave up on my breast with an inverted nipple at about 8 weeks due to severe pain. When I went back to work I pumped both sides but got very little out of the side she didn't nurse on. It was mainly so I didn't leak on myself. I don't recall having any issue when I stopped pumping that breast.</p> <p>Fwiw I went on to feed LO2 on both sides with no issue after the first week or so. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-from-only-one-side-at-all-not-per-session#post-2922906 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 21:25:49 +0000 MamaCate 2922906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: we had a similar dynamic. After I day weaned around 12-13 months my DS gradually showed more and more disinterest in both sides and we ended up doing wake up/evening nursing just on the “good” side from probably 15 months until we fully weaned at 2. Not sure if it will be true for you but it worked surprisingly well for us! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-from-only-one-side-at-all-not-per-session#post-2922904 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 20:16:28 +0000 bhbee 2922904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My left side was my big producer and my oldest nursed only that side her last month or so. She didn’t want the slow flow on the right! I don’t think you can force it especially for older babies. Made me a bit lopsided for a while but not terribly - I don’t think the right completely dried up until we weaned completely just didn’t make much. I think going with the flow (ha) makes sense! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastfeeding-from-only-one-side-at-all-not-per-session#post-2922903 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 18:32:52 +0000 JennyPenny 2922903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DD is 11 months and I’m starting to wean off pumping but planning to do a morning and evening nurse as long as she wants. My right breast produces way more than my left and DD often gets frustrated or flat out refuses the left. For now I’m getting milk out of it during the day when I pump but I’m curious what will happen when I drop those pumps. Has anyone breastfed exclusively from one side? Or does anyone have tips for getting DD to take from the sad side? I’m probably overthinking this, but I’m not sure what to expect... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2916044 Fri, 29 May 2020 21:02:02 +0000 pastemoo 2916044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: Both my kids did this. As long as baby is gaining, I wouldn't worry. If baby is super gassy, you could have a big letdown. But it's not a big deal. I wouldn't worry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915958 Thu, 28 May 2020 06:28:37 +0000 Pumuckl 2915958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: We stuck to size 1 MUM. But might be worth a try to go with something faster if she ends up having a belly-ache you can always go back to the slower flow ones. I did a dreamfeed bottle with the twins until they were 4-5 months old and then switched to nursing them around midnight when I went to bed because it was faster :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915940 Wed, 27 May 2020 19:16:28 +0000 JennyPenny 2915940@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all the responses! Followup question - did you use faster flow bottles? I kept my first two on the slowest flow for a really long time, mostly because there never seemed like a reason to switch it up, but DD is struggling to take her whole dreamfeed bottle that DH offers at night. He says it takes 15-20 minutes and she keeps falling asleep. I wonder if a faster flow might be more similar to her nursing? Or might it be worse if she had a strong suck? Any insight? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915838 Mon, 25 May 2020 10:46:49 +0000 ilovepie 2915838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for fast is normal. Kid #1 took 20 min on each side, kid #2 was done in about 5-7 minutes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915834 Mon, 25 May 2020 08:17:33 +0000 Pumuckl 2915834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for "yes mine". My DD1 started out nursing as quickly (~8 min) even in the hospital and she was gaining normal. I did weighted feeds with DS1 before I went back to work and he ate up to 10oz in less than 10 minutes. I was done BF my twins in less than 15 minutes - and I didn't tandem nurse. I always had good supply and only nursed from one side so that they were getting enough hindmilk. (Obvious I guess for the twins)... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915822 Sun, 24 May 2020 14:53:12 +0000 misolee 2915822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Same with all 3 of mine. I would prob feed 5-10 minutes only on one side and they were all healthy and chunks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915817 Sun, 24 May 2020 11:22:48 +0000 MrsSRS 2915817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My second was like this. It was amazing with a toddler to chase! She was a big chunk too. Clearly she was getting plenty to eat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915816 Sun, 24 May 2020 11:09:44 +0000 LadyDi 2915816@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All of my kids have been relatively quick nursers. I was so worried about it with my first son but by the time the third one rolled around I was used to it. They’ve all been fine, gained weight appropriately, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915815 Sun, 24 May 2020 10:01:06 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2915815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This was both my kids. I did have a massive oversupply with both kids though. </p> <p>Their doc told me to just try and offer and then watch their behavior: if they’re hungry 30 minutes later they’re obviously not getting enough. But if they fall asleep for three hours, things are probably fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915813 Sun, 24 May 2020 09:11:01 +0000 JennyPenny 2915813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Becky: seriously! It’s amazing not to have to take big chunks of time out of my day. According to the app I use she nurses for about an hour total each day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915812 Sun, 24 May 2020 08:58:55 +0000 DesertDreams88 2915812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Two of my friends had kids like this. If it's an oversupply idsue, it should correct itself soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915811 Sun, 24 May 2020 08:24:33 +0000 Becky 2915811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first was like this. It’s awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915810 Sun, 24 May 2020 07:58:43 +0000 JennyPenny 2915810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whew, thanks everyone! I was having a hard time finding info to say this short of feeding could be normal. And it sounds like no issues with oversupply or anything which is a relief. I had an oversupply with DS2 and it resulted in recurrent mastitis. Would hate to relive that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915809 Sun, 24 May 2020 07:51:59 +0000 Lahela017 2915809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep! My DD only nursed 3-5 minutes and only on one side per feeding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915808 Sun, 24 May 2020 07:44:42 +0000 Jess1483 2915808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes. My first took forever to nurse, so when DS2 was eating quickly I had the same concerns. But his latch was stronger and he was just a more efficient eater. DD has also been much faster, much earlier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915807 Sun, 24 May 2020 07:22:39 +0000 MrsADS 2915807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both my kids. I had a fast let down and a lot of milk. Feeding them took only a couple minutes, only one side per feed too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915806 Sun, 24 May 2020 07:09:14 +0000 erinbaderin 2915806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, this was my second, and it caused me a lot of stress too. My first baby took at least 45 minutes to eat, and my second was more like 5. I couldn’t believe he was getting enough to eat but he was fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-fast-nursing#post-2915804 Sun, 24 May 2020 06:12:46 +0000 JennyPenny 2915804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone else had an infant who was a particularly fast eater when breastfeeding? My 6 week old has been nursing for only 6-8 minutes the past few weeks. It seemed too short so I’ve tried encouraging more but she either won’t do it at all or if she does she spits it all back up. I’ve started to accept that she might be taking a full feeding in such a short time. It does feel like she’s emptying my breast, and her diapers and weight gain seem fine. She is super gassy though but I’m not sure if that has to do with the speed she’s eating. I also worry it’s a sign of oversupply though nothing seems to be wrong yet. Both my older 2 ate for 20-30 minutes at least at this time so it feels like new territory. Anyone else have experience with this? Do I need to be worried or on the lookout for anything (like oversupply/ fore/hind milk imbalance)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-with-extra-breast-milk#post-2914164 Sat, 18 Apr 2020 06:30:13 +0000 karenbme 2914164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Tionn3: I appreciate where your point, and if there were a private lab or even my pcp that I could go to for the blood draw, I would. But I live in a relatively rural area and the only place I could go within ~2 hours drive is the hospital. I know a couple people who have been there for non-Covid issues recently and been fine, but DD was sent to the NICU for respiratory complications at birth and I just don’t want to push my luck.</p> <p>@mrsbubbletea: Interesting, I’ll keep looking for other groups. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-with-extra-breast-milk#post-2914129 Fri, 17 Apr 2020 11:57:22 +0000 Tionn3 2914129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would reconsider getting those blood tests. There is going to be a shortage of donor breast milk because of this pandemic. They are separating covid19 positive mothers from their babies at birth and there will be a greater need potentially for donor breast milk. </p> <p>Having said that I 100% respect your choice not to finish your donor labs given the current situation (it's scary out there). You could also see if there are any human milk labs in your area (at universities). I donated both to mother's milk bank, but also to a research lab that does research on human breast milk ( and I didn't need any blood tests for that). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-with-extra-breast-milk#post-2914116 Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:46:21 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2914116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would see if there’s any other Facebook groups in your area. I donated my extra milk through Facebook both times and my sister just did it (she literally reactivated her account to find the group and then deleted it again). In my area there is “eats on feet’s” and “human milk for human babies” specific to multiple regions, so I would start there! It’s nice to make it as simple and painless as possible since you’ve already put in all that work to produce and pump! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-with-extra-breast-milk#post-2914111 Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:44:11 +0000 karenbme 2914111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lady baltimore: We'll definitely be doing milk + solids once we're ready, our pediatrician actually recommends soaking oats in milk as a first food and mixing a little peanut butter with milk for early peanut exposure (although I'm not sure how I feel about giving allergenic foods right now). I hadn't thought about fertilizer, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-with-extra-breast-milk#post-2914101 Thu, 16 Apr 2020 10:34:06 +0000 lady baltimore 2914101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm probably not the best person to ask, as my LO is 4, weaned over two years ago, and I still have two gallon bags of breast milk in our chest freezer. I keep thinking I am going to order a piece of breast milk jewelry, but never get around to it.</p> <p>At 5 months, your LO will be ready to start eating foods soon - maybe you could use extra milk to cook for her?</p> <p>I know cow's milk whey is supposed to be good for tomato plants. If you have house plants or a garden, maybe some of them would like a little breast milk fertilizer? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-with-extra-breast-milk#post-2914091 Thu, 16 Apr 2020 06:14:56 +0000 karenbme 2914091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi, I’m looking for suggestions on what to do with excess breast milk. I’ve been EPing for my 5 month old and between frozen milk and quarantine food, both our freezers are full. I was in the process of getting certified as a milk donor in Feb/early March, but don’t feel comfortable going to the hospital for the blood test right now. I also put out to a local moms group on Facebook that I have extra milk if anyone can’t find formula or otherwise needs milk, but no takers (doesn’t really surprise me). So what else can I do with milk? Sometime soon we’ll do a milk bath with DD and see if she likes it, but other than that I’ve got nothing. </p>