How Do You Know When To Switch Sides Breastfeeding

May 18, 2022 Stacey Stewart

They tell you to feed on demand and not follow a clock with breastfeeding.

This is all great but some babies nurse for 10 minutes at a session and others (especially newborns) may nurse for 40+ minutes on each side.

So how do you know when to switch sides?

Knowing when to switch is kind of an art form.

You’ll need to watch your baby and look for subtle cues. Let’s discuss…

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Why is it important to switch sides during breastfeeding?

Switching breasts while breastfeeding at the appropriate time will ensure your baby is getting both the foremilk (the first, watery, thinner milk that comes out), and also the hind milk at the end (which is thicker, more caloric, and has a higher fat content).

The change from foremilk to hind milk is gradual and there’s no magic moment when it switches.

But keeping baby nursing on one side for as long as they wish will help them get the full spectrum of breast milk and ensure they receive the fat and calories they need.

What If I Always Switch Sides Too Early?

Switching sides too early can lead to the baby consistently getting too much foremilk and not enough of the hind milk which can lead to lactose overload. (gassiness, green stools, and upset bellies)

offering both breasts HELPS:

build up your milk supply
keep a sleepy baby breastfeeding longer so they get more breast milk
prevent engorgement, clogged ducts and mastitis

how to tell when baby is done nursing on one side

Ignore the clock and watch your baby signals for when to switch. You want to aim for them to get as much breast milk as they can out of the first breast before offering the second.

CUES FOR to switch SIDES:

Baby’s drinking pattern slows or baby is not actively suckling and swallowing
Baby has pauses and breaks in swallowing, that last longer and longer
Baby falls asleep on your breasts
Baby gets fussy at the breast

PRO-TIP #1:
If they haven’t unlatched, slip your finger into the corner of their mouth to break suction

PRO-TIP #2:
Before you switch, try gently compressing your breast to get more breast milk out to see if your baby starts eating again.

NOTE: Switching sides when breastfeeding is not a one-size-fits-all-approach. If baby remains asleep or is uninterested in taking the other breast, that’s okay! You can start with the other side at the next feeding.

Should I always offer both sides While Breastfeeding?

In the first 6 weeks or so, it's better to always breastfeed from both sides at each feeding to help establish your milk production and ensure baby is getting enough breast milk.

Once your milk supply is established (around 4-6 weeks postpartum) and you know breastfeeding is going well and baby is growing along their growth curve, you can then follow your baby’s lead.

Some babies will always take both sides, some will take only one side per feeding at different times of day, and many babies will do one or both depending.

What if my baby only wants one side while Breastfeeding?

Think of breastfeeding as DINNER + DESSERT!

Dinner is the first side. Let them work to empty that breast. It’s a full meal! Let them eat and don’t stop them for dinner! Let them tell you when they’re done and full.

The 2nd side is like dessert! Offer this side even if baby seems done. Let them lead the way. They may want it, they may not. Depends on how full they are from dinner and if they’re in the mood for some dessert. 🍦

Some sessions they may be ALL about dessert, and some sessions they may not want it - and that’s okay!

NOTE: If baby only nurses for a short period on the 2nd side (or not at all) — offer that side first next time.

As babies get older and more efficient at breastfeeding, they may decrease their time on each breast and spend about 5–10 minutes on each side. (newborns may take up to 30-40 minutes on each side).

Did you know…
Even if you can only nurse from one breast, it's still possible to make a healthy supply of breast milk.

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