Normally, babies should experience steady monthly weight gain, which should be monitored with a pediatrician. Consistent weight gain usually indicates that the baby is healthy and developing properly. In some cases, however, breastfeeding practices or common mistakes during feeding may affect the baby’s weight gain. Family medicine consultant Dr. Lamia Saeed explains how to know when it is time to move your baby from one breast to the other during breastfeeding.
Signs It’s Time to Switch Your Baby to the Other Breast
It is a common mistake to move the baby too quickly from one breast to the other—for example, allowing the baby to feed for only five minutes on one side before switching. When this happens, the baby mainly receives the foremilk, which contains more water and less fat. As a result, the baby’s small stomach may fill without receiving enough nourishing fats, leading to poor weight gain and the baby waking up hungry again shortly after feeding.
Instead, observe your baby while feeding from the first breast. Signs that your baby has had enough milk from that side include:
The baby appears calm and relaxed
The baby’s hands loosen from the breast
The baby naturally releases the breast on their own
The breast feels lighter because it has been emptied
The first breast should act as the main feeding source, allowing the baby to complete a full feeding and reach the richer milk that comes later. Afterward, you can move the baby to the other breast so milk production continues in both breasts.
Before switching sides, it is helpful to burp the baby. This prevents the baby from spitting up milk due to swallowed air, which could otherwise cause discomfort and lead to another feeding soon after.
What Is Hindmilk?
Breast milk is produced in two stages during feeding:
Foremilk: The milk that comes first. It contains more water and helps satisfy the baby’s thirst. Because of this, babies usually do not need additional water during the first months of life.
Hindmilk: The milk released later in the feeding session, typically after about 10–15 minutes. It contains higher levels of healthy fats, which help babies gain weight and feel fuller for longer periods.
There are many myths suggesting that some mothers produce “thin milk” while others produce “rich milk.” In reality, breast milk quality is generally similar among mothers. The main issue occurs when the baby is removed from the breast before reaching the fat-rich hindmilk, which is essential for growth and satiety.
Signs Your Baby Is Only Getting Foremilk
If a baby mostly consumes foremilk without reaching hindmilk, certain symptoms may appear due to higher lactose intake:
Green, watery stools
Frequent colic or stomach discomfort
Excessive gas and loud passing of gas
Frequent feeding requests because the baby never feels fully satisfied
Limited or slow weight gain
These signs may indicate that the baby is not receiving enough of the fat-rich milk at the end of the feeding session.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding from Both Breasts
1. Create Emotional Connection
Interact with your baby during feeding by talking, smiling, and gently playing. This strengthens emotional bonding and can stimulate milk production through hormonal signals sent to the brain. Choose a quiet and comfortable place for breastfeeding to help your baby feel calm and focused.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A breastfeeding mother should consume balanced meals, not just carbohydrates and sugars. Her diet should include:
Protein sources such as meat, fish, and eggs
Dairy products for calcium
Iron-rich foods, especially after the baby’s sixth month, such as dates, dried fruits, egg yolks, and some seafood
Good nutrition helps support healthy milk production.
3. Drink Enough Fluids
Drink at least three liters of fluids daily, especially water. Hydration helps increase milk supply. Mothers can also include:
Milk
Natural juices
Herbal drinks such as fennel, fenugreek, and anise
However, it is best to limit caffeinated drinks, because caffeine may cause colic in babies, reduce milk supply, and affect the baby’s sleep.
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