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There are many different ways you can breastfeed. You can switch sides and breastfeed on both breasts at a time. In fact, the feeding pattern depends on your preferences and your baby's. So why do babies only breastfeed on one side and is this situation really worrisome?1. What are the reasons why only breastfeed from one side?
There are some situations when you may want or have to breastfeed from only one side such as:You have an abundant breast milk supply: If your breasts are able to produce milk very quickly and you have too much milk to breastfeed , nursing one side at a time (or even the same side for several feeds in a row) can help slow down breast milk production on the opposite side. Colic: In some cases (especially if you have an abundant milk supply), breastfeeding from both breasts can lead to colic symptoms. If you notice your baby is fussy, has indigestion, is gaining weight quickly, and has green stools, feeding your baby one breast at a time can help ease these symptoms. Children's hobbies. Some babies will only suck on one breast and refuse to suck on the other at all. If your baby shows an interest in breastfeeding on one side, don't worry, most babies can get enough breast milk from just one breast. In some cases, the baby will not suck on one side because of a problem with the breast. If your baby refuses to nurse on one side, talk to your doctor. Once the doctor has ruled out potential health problems and the baby is growing at a steady rate, you don't have to worry as this is just a preference of the child. Your breasts are sore: If you have sore nipples, a breast infection, blistering in your nipples, or a skin problem (like eczema or dermatitis) on one side, breastfeeding on the affected breast may be a problem. can cause pain. If this happens, breastfeeding only from the healthy breast can give the damaged breast time to heal. You have only one working breast: If you have had breast cancer treatment, a mastectomy, or surgery on only one breast, breastfeeding on the opposite breast can still be performed on the unaffected breast. benefit, as long as healthy breasts are still producing breast milk. You can make enough breast milk to feed your baby with just one working breast, but you should still monitor your baby's milk supply and weight. If you are not able to make an adequate breast milk supply, you can still breastfeed with formula supplementation.
Breastfeeding from only one breast does not cause serious problems because the breasts work independently of each other. If you choose to use only one breast, the other will return to its pre-pregnancy state. In that case, there will be a marked difference in breast size between the lactating side and the non-lactating side, however this difference will usually disappear after weaning. However, research suggests that using both may be the best approach, as some women who breastfeed from only one breast have a higher rate of breast cancer than women who breastfeed. are on both sides.
But a larger research group over the past ten years has demonstrated that women who breastfeed after the age of two have a 30% reduction in the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Additionally, breastfeeding may also reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Chỉ cho con bú từ một bên vú không gây ra vấn đề nghiêm trọng do hai vú hoạt động độc lập với nhau
2. Breastfeeding tips on only one side
Choosing to breastfeed from one side at a time has its own advantages as it can be helpful in certain situations and some find it more convenient. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are breastfeeding from only one breast.If you are able to breastfeed from both breasts, alternate the breast on which you breastfeed. For example, if your first feed of the day is on the right breast, then your second feed should start on the left. This will allow both breasts to build and maintain a steady and abundant milk supply on both sides.
If you don't switch to the opposite breast and only breastfeed on one breast, you will eventually stop making milk on the side you're not using.
2.1. Feed as long as you want When you're only nursing from one side at a time, let your baby nurse for as long as you like on that breast. However, you need to make sure your baby gets as much breast milk as possible from that party.
Longer feedings allow your baby to get milk after a richer, creamier feed towards the end of the feed. Later milk (Hindmilk) helps babies to fill up quickly and keeps them full for longer between feedings.
Letting your baby nurse longer also helps empty the breast more completely and signals your body to make more milk.
Khi bạn chỉ cho con bú từ một bên trong mỗi cữ bú, hãy để trẻ bú bao lâu tùy thích ở bên vú đó
Other common breastfeeding problems such as blocked milk ducts and mastitis can also occur when the breasts are overstretched.
If you have engorgement on one side while the other is nursing, you can relieve the pressure and discomfort by using a breast pump or hand expressing technique to remove some of the breast milk from the breast. stretch the breast until breastfeeding from that side.
Breast engorgement will improve over time. As you continue to only feed your baby from one side at a time, your body will get used to it.
2.3. Dealing with Uneven Breasts If you only breastfeed from one side at a time, your breasts may be uneven in size. The breast that you nursed last time will be smaller and the other breast will be larger as it fills up with breast milk for the next feeding.
Uneven breasts usually do not cause problems for the mother herself. The unevenness can even be helpful because it makes it easier to remember which breast to use for the next feeding.
However, if the appearance of lopsided breasts is bothersome, you can breastfeed from both breasts at each feeding to try to keep your breasts more proportionate.
2.3. Continue pumping/expressing If you are only breastfeeding from one breast because the other breast needs time to heal due to medical problems or rest, you should continue to pump or express by hand from the breast. affected to continue to make breast milk. The supply of breast milk will decrease in that breast if it is not stimulated regularly.
How you choose to breastfeed is up to you, although some people will have more choices than others. As long as your baby is getting enough breast milk and growing at a steady rate, there's no right or wrong way to breastfeed.
During the first few weeks of breastfeeding (when you're building your milk supply), offer your baby both breasts at each feed if you can. Once you've established an ample and steady supply of milk (for about four to six weeks postpartum), you can do whatever feels most comfortable and convenient for you and your baby.
Nếu bạn chỉ cho con bú từ một bên vú, bạn nên tiếp tục hút bằng máy bằng vắt sữa bằng tay từ bên vú bị ảnh hưởng
3. When should I go to the doctor?
You may be able to only breastfeed on one side at a time because your baby is simply refusing to feed on the other side. You can still create a full and healthy supply of breast milk with just one breast, and can continue to use the same breast for each feeding. However, certain health conditions can alter the taste of breast milk. If your baby isn't feeding from one breast, it could actually be a sign of a health problem (such as a breast infection or even potentially cancer in that breast).It's best to consult your doctor if your baby is not nursing from one breast. While the reason may not be ominous, a breast exam is the only way to know for sure what is causing your baby to suck on only one side.
After giving birth, the mother's body changes, the mother can suffer from many diseases such as postpartum hemorrhage, urinary incontinence, digestive disorders, bowel and urinary disorders, rectal prolapse,... Especially, Many mothers suffer from mastitis, breast abscess, and breast infection while breastfeeding. Therefore, after giving birth, the mother can perform a general health examination at Vinmec International General Hospital to assess her postpartum health. Mothers will have the opportunity to visit with leading specialists, combined with many other specialties to give advice, care, and help improve their postpartum health, as well as how to take good care of the baby. .
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference sources: babycenter.com, verywellfamily.com, medela.us
