My toddler will only BF from one side
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: Toddler Times
Forum Description: Is bubs growing up and getting into everything? How do you train them to use the potty? When do you start feeding solids? Share your tips and advice here!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36174
Printed Date: 07 August 2025 at 12:52am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: My toddler will only BF from one side
Posted By: coldfish
Subject: My toddler will only BF from one side
Date Posted: 10 October 2010 at 11:00pm
|
Hi, I am still breastfeeding my nearly 18 month old DD, twice a day - first thing in the morning and in the evening.
For a few weeks now she will only feed from my left breast. For the month prior, she would feed off both in the morning and only the left at night, now she only feeds on the left side. It was suggested to me that maybe she has an ear infection or something causing her to prefer one side. But she is in great health, and has only ever had one cold. Even if I keep her in the same position, lying to the left, she won't take from the right breast. At times she tries if I offer it (regardless of position) but as soon as she puts the nipple in her mouth she screws up her face and pulls away/spits it out. So it must be me that is the issue. The other day I squeezed the nipple by hand to see if there was any supply, and milk came immediately, so I haven't dried up yet (I sold my breast pump so I can't pump to see how good the supply is). The nipple feels and looks fine so it doesn't look like it has an infection, I haven't had a breast infection for over a year now. So I'm really scratching my head as to what the issue is and if it can be fixed. Has anyone else experienced this? Or have any ideas? Thanks, Debbie ------------- 
|
Replies:
Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 11:36am
|
Didn't want to read and run. From what you have said I don't have any ideas to the cause since you have answered all the questions I would have had.
Have you tried the right breast first each time, she may take it if she is hungry. Or have you tried expressing a little bit first to get a let down? Sorry I can't be more help ------------- Lindsey 
|
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 12:12pm
|
i think that when they get older they can have a preference... i would just go with it - it wont matter if she only wants the one side. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
|
Posted By: coldfish
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 1:05pm
|
I have always tried to offer the right side first and she'll reject that but happily take the left. Sometimes I offer the right side again after the left and she still has no interest.
I guess it doesn't matter too much, in my mind I always thought I'd like to BF until she's 18 months and I've succeeded that, I'll continue with the one side as long as she wants but we'll have to wean eventually anyhow. Thanks -------------
|
Posted By: daisy1
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 2:08pm
Hi Debbie, i am still bf'ing my 2 year old twice a day - morning and night - and he has only taken one side for about 4 months now. He used to always feed both sides at each feed and for some reason we always started on the left. Then about 4 months ago he stopped doing the right side at all and started to favour the left. When i try to put him on the right side now he just sucks a few times and then comes off and giggles  I am not sure whether there is still milk on that side or not. I am nearly 8 months pregnant - not sure if that has anything to do with it. I haven't worried too much and have just carried on, i figure that even if the right side has dried up that it will hopefully start up again once the new baby comes. I don't have any infection or soreness or anything on the right side.
Sorry this is probably no help, but just wanted to let you know that i have the same thing happening and it doesn't seem to matter (as far as i can tell!). (Also ours isn't related to ear infections etc either - i think he has just developed a wee preference). All the best. |
Posted By: coldfish
Date Posted: 13 October 2010 at 10:31pm
|
Thanks for your reply, that's good to know that others have the same experience and I'm not all alone.
It doesn't worry me if one side does dry up because the BF is mostly for comfort and bonding, she eats really well and doesn't need the nutrition of my milk anymore -------------
|
Posted By: palomino
Date Posted: 15 October 2010 at 7:59pm
| DS only feeds from righty, hes always fussed with lefty, but now has completly given up. I was worried about looking lopsided, but they still look quite even. |