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Breastfeeding Management: One Breast Per Feed can be a Recipe for Breastfeeding Failure

Abstract:

Over the past three years since I started working as a lactation consultant, I have become increasingly aware that women are confused about how best to maintain their breastfeeding. In particular, they contact me with concerns that they 'don't have enough milk' or that their baby is not gaining weight adequately. They often report that they are feeding for over an hour at each feed. This can occur at any time but cases often cluster around the three-month mark. While taking breastfeeding histories from these women, a common theme has emerged. They have been looked after (in the initial postpartum period) by midwives who have advised them to offer the infant one breast at each feed. Whether or not they have actually been told this (as I am aware that stories can get distorted over time), the overall perception that these women have is that this method of feeding will ensure that their baby gets the 'good' hindmilk. Since variation in fat content according to duration of a feed was first noted and written about, it seems that some midwives have embraced one sided feeding while not being fully aware of all the facts.

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baby-led feeding, breastfeeding, milk supply