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Is it necessary to feed my baby from both breasts every time, even if they fall asleep before finishing one?
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Consultation #53448
84 days ago
679

Is it necessary to feed my baby from both breasts every time, even if they fall asleep before finishing one? - #53448

Client_3443df
$3

Does i have to feed both my breast every single time because baby is sleeping before finishing 1 breast, if i switch breast fastbaby will get only fore milk?

How old is your baby?:

- Newborn (0-1 month)

How often does your baby feed in a day?:

- 9-12 times

How long does your baby usually nurse on one breast?:

- 5-10 minutes

Does your baby seem satisfied after feeding?:

- Yes, always

Have you noticed any issues with your baby's weight gain?:

- No issues, gaining well

How is your overall breastfeeding experience?:

- Somewhat comfortable

Have you consulted a lactation consultant before?:

- No, not interested

Doctors' responses

it is not necessary to feed both breasts every time. What matters most is that your baby is getting enough milk overall and is gaining weight well, which you have mentioned is already happening. In breastfeeding, the first milk is foremilk and later becomes hindmilk, which is more calorie-rich. However, this does not get “lost” or become a problem just because the baby sometimes feeds from one breast. If the baby is feeding actively for a few minutes and then falling asleep satisfied, that is completely normal for a newborn. You can continue feeding from one breast until the baby naturally releases or falls asleep. At the next feed, you can start from the other breast. This helps maintain balance over time. There is no need to switch breasts quickly just to “balance” foremilk and hindmilk. Frequent unnecessary switching can actually disturb feeding and may reduce the baby’s comfort. As long as your baby is: Feeding 8–12 times a day Gaining weight normally Passing urine regularly Appearing satisfied after feeds then your feeding pattern is healthy and appropriate. If the baby becomes fussy, has poor weight gain, or short feeds with persistent hunger, then feeding technique can be reassessed. Regards, Dr Raghuveer (Ayurvedacharya)


0 replies

No, you don’t have to give both breasts every time. What to do Let baby finish one breast fully (gets both foremilk + hindmilk) If baby sleeps after one side → it’s OK Next feed → start with the other breast Important If you switch too early → baby may get mostly foremilk (can cause gas) Tip Try gentle burping or waking baby a little to continue feeding


0 replies

Not really. Just remember that if you feel heaviness in the other breast after baby has drunk from one, just pump out the milk. Do this once in a dah will be enough. Breastfeeding from both side is appreciated so that no residue milk is left and the mother does not have to face milk lumps in the breast. It doesn’t mean you disturb the sleeping baby. In this case you need to alternate the baby from right to left breast so that you stay safe from the lumps developing in your breast


0 replies

Hello, According to both modern pediatric advice and Ayurvedic principles, you do not necessarily have to feed from both breasts at every session. ​The Fore-milk and Hind-milk Balance ​It is actually better to let the baby finish one breast before switching. ​Fore-milk: This is the thinner, watery milk at the start of a feed that quenches thirst. ​Hind-milk: This is the creamier, high-fat milk that comes toward the end. It is calorie-dense and helps with weight gain and satiety. ​If you switch too quickly just to “use both sides,” the baby may fill up on fore-milk and miss the richer hind-milk, which can lead to the baby feeling hungry again sooner or having green, frothy stools. If your baby falls asleep and is satisfied after one breast, simply start with the other breast at the next feeding. ​ ​In Ayurveda, breast milk is called Stanya, an Upadhatu (sub-tissue) of Rasa Dhatu (plasma). Ayurveda emphasizes the quality of the milk over the quantity or the specific breast used. ​Satiety (Tripti): The goal of a feeding is the contentment and sound sleep of the “Ksheerada” (milk-fed infant). If the baby sleeps peacefully, the Doshas are considered balanced. ​Digestion: Feeding when the baby is sleepy or forced feeding can lead to Agnimandya (weak digestion) for the infant. ​ ​To ensure the quality of milk is light (Laghu) and easy for the baby to digest, the mother can take internal supplements. ​Prescription: Take 1 pill twice daily after food. You can crush the pill and take it with a little warm water or cumin water. This helps in improving the mother’s digestion and prevents gas or colic in the baby.


0 replies

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