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Breastfeeding/breastfeeding, is it enough

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Expert: - 11/18/2007


Question
I have a 3.5 month old baby and he is only ever feeding off one breast. I am concerned that he is not getting enough food because he went through a phase where he was feeding off both breasts. i have read that he should be feeding off both breasts by this stage. Also I will be looking at formula feeding for 3 days as he will be away from me due to work commitments. is this ok or will it be difficult to get him back onto the breast?

Answer
Hello Piroska - Sometime it's comfort that the baby prefers and "one side" is more preferred than the other.  You can continue to shift him as if he doesn't feed from both breasts, your supply can start to diminish as the trigger to replace what is taken won't be there.  And you can try to supplement with formula and it should not be difficult to do both as your son will still want the bond with you and you may find that he ups his breast milk demand as well.  But if you can get him supplemented on formula in addition to breastfeeding, you'll have the flexiblity when you are working.  And your concern about if he's getting enough, he'll take as much as he needs to be satisifed and the doctors check weight for that purpose to ensure that the baby gets enough through all the stages of development.  Good luck and all the best

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Sue Ennis

Expertise

I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.

Experience

I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.

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