Home » Pick Your Crowd » Breastfeeding Crowd » More ?'s about getting enough milk

Hello, guest
|

Name: breemichelle

[ Original Post ]

I keep reading that when breastfeeding you should let the baby empty one breast before offering the second. Well how do you know when one breast is empty?

My baby will latch correctly and feed vigorously for about 5 minutes, then she kind of lets the latch slip a little and she just nibbles. But If I compress my breast she'll start feeding properly again for just a little then starts nibbling again or goes to sleep. So then I will switch sides and she'll do the same. It just doesn't seem like a solid 5 minutes of properly feeding would be enough. But I have to take her off once she starts nibbling because it starts to hurt and even if I re-latch her she starts just nibbling again a few minutes later, I also keep reading I should let her keep nursing until she un-latches herself.

Does this sound like she's getting enough? She has plenty of wet and poopy diapers ↓

Name: atomicsnowflake | Date: May 18th, 2007 7:59 PM

Babies need different types of breastfeed at different times. What is known as the 'foremilk' is the stuff that comes out of the breast first of all - this is the thirsquenching liquid - this then changes to 'hindmilk' which is the actual feed with the fat and nutrients in.

Once she's starting to un-latch herself and messing around by nibbling, then that probably means that she's had enough. It sounds like you're doing the right thing and if she's having the poops and wees then she's obviously okay. Don't worry about it. ↑

Name: mamal | Date: May 20th, 2007 4:23 PM

I completely agree with asnowflake! It sounds like you are doing great! As long as those wet and poopy diapers are coming everything should be AOK. You never know maybe next week she won't stop nursing. Another thing to keep in mind is never worry about the clock when it comes to breastfeeding. Your precious girl will get what she wants when she wants. You seem to be a very attentive mom and I am sure you are meeting her needs perfectly! ↑