Deciding to breastfeed your little one is considered a personal matter. This decision can also draw opinions from your family and other relatives. But no matter what opinion they have, the decision will always be based on your preference. For those moms who finally decide to breastfeed their newborns, they are asking lots of questions associated with their choice. Should you always offer the second breast? How do you know when to switch sides breastfeeding? Or is it important to nurse with both breasts? Well, it is better to find out through the help of this article.
Is it important to nurse with both breasts?
I am going to start breastfeeding, which side to start? Or which breast to start on when breastfeeding? The decision will be up to you. There is no right side to start. As long as your baby gets enough amount of milk, it doesn’t matter which side will you start. As long as both of you is comfortable or convenient, then go ahead and breastfeed your little one. Is it important to nurse with both breasts? In the first few weeks of your breastfeeding journey, it is advisable to nurse with both breasts. Nursing on both breasts can be a big help in stimulating your breast milk production. You also have to take note that breastfeeding on both breasts is essential in preventing mastitis, engorgement of the breasts, and the plugged milk ducts. After several weeks and once you already have an established milk supply, you are already allowed to choose the breastfeeding method that you want to use. You also have to remember that once your baby is gaining weight and he or she grows, you can follow his or her lead. If she wants to breastfeed on one side, then be it.
How do you know when to switch sides breastfeeding?
Aside from dealing with the question is it important to nurse with both breasts, you also have to know the best time to switch sides in breastfeeding your little angel. In this case, the best thing that you can do is to know if one of your breasts is already empty. But how do you know when one breast is empty? You have to keep in mind that our breasts will never become empty. But if you really want to check, you can squeeze your nipple using your thumb and forefinger, if you notice that milk is still coming out, then this is not yet empty. But once you see that fewer amount comes out, you have to try it for at least two times to make sure that it is already empty. Aside from this, the best way to know when to switch sides will depend on how your breasts are feeling. If your breasts are still full and hard, then this is maybe not the best time to switch.
When is the best time to feed your baby?
Some of the signs that you have to take note of if your baby is already aiming for breastfeeding are the finger or fist sucking and the side to side movement of his head with an open mouth. You don’t need to wait for him to cry because the best latch time for them is when they are peaceful and calm.
Foremilk and hindmilk
You have to remember that a little knowledge is considered as a dangerous thing. In dealing with breastfeeding, you should also be knowledgeable about the kind of milk you are going to give to your little one. Are foremilk and hindmilk safe for them? Should I worry about foremilk and hindmilk? The foremilk is the first milk that comes out to your breast, which is often compared to skim milk because of lower calories and fat. The hindmilk is the kind of fluid that comes out to your breast as the breastfeeding session progresses. This kind of milk is often compared to whole milk because of its thicker texture and fat content. You don’t have to worry about these kinds of milk because these are both healthy for your baby.
Dealing with the question is it important to nurse with both breasts is very important, especially when you are a first-time mom. You need to research a lot of things associated with your breastfeeding journey. At the end of the day, it is our knowledge who can help us in surviving any circumstances and stages in our lives.
Read also:
- Deprivation as a Breastfeeding Mom
- What is the Main Reason Moms Fail at Breastfeeding?
- 13 Essential Tips for a Comfortable Breastfeeding in Public
