What do you do when they don't completely empty that breast before they're done? Do you offer the same breast first next time or do you just leave it and switch sides? Or do you pump after feeding until it's empty? I'm curious because LO feeds every 3-4 hours and if I don't switch sides each time, the other breast feels like it's going to explode! But I'm also worried that if he doesn't empty it I'll end up with clogged ducts? Or shouldn't I be worried about this at all?
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I'm curious about this too! My LO used to eat in ten minute increments, but allllll the time (vs three hour increments). I read that my issue may be too fast a let-down, and because it stresses her out she gives up and never gets to the hind milk. (Which is why she's always hungry) The solution to that was to feed her slightly reclined and to offer same boob for two hours at a time. she has nursed longer, but other boob aches! I've been pumping that one due to pain and fear of clogged ducts.
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@MrsLilybugg: I think that's what's happening with us too! I should also say that it takes up to 45 mins before LO is done, he's constantly on and off the boob until he passes out..
I've read about offering the same breast for 2 hours, but he's not nursing that often.. Bf can be so stressful!!!
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You could always hand express a little, either the breast you are offering so that baby gets more hind milk faster, or the one you aren't, so that you aren't so uncomfortable.
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I'm not sure how old your LO is but your breasts should adjust to not being quite emptied and your supply should slow down accordingly. Pumping to fully empty the breast will send the signal that it's making the right amount of milk so you'll continue to have an issue.
FWIW I've only ever fed one side at a time and have very rarely had issues with clogged ducts.
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@Kemma: ditto!
Your breasts adjust to what they need. If you only started feeding on one side, after a few days, they will be able to go longer in between feedings.
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Agree with @Kemma!
If you're trying to build a stash, I would pump, otherwise I'd just give your body some time to adjust.
I only nurse one side at a time and have never had a clogged duct, fwiw. LO is 4.5 months.
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I agree with @Kemma too! I fed one breast at a time for the first two months and my body adjusted accordingly. When she started to take both then my body adjusted again. It's a magical thing!
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Thanks ladies! I guess I shouldn't be too worried about it and let baby and boobs do their thing!
I've read about offering the same breast for 2 hours, but he's not nursing that often.. Bf can be so stressful!!!
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8 comments