Anybody Ever Only Breastfeed with One Breast?

At the beginning with my little one, he would only latch on to the left breast so I would pump the right breast after each feeding. It took a few weeks, but now he feeds off of both breasts.

My neighbor fed exclusively off of one breast for five months before her daughter would take from both breasts.

If you breast is so sore, perhaps you should take some time off from using it until it heals. Once it is healed, maybe you could try him back on that breast and you won't have the pain.

Also, have you seen a lactation consultant or consulted with LaLeche? They may have some suggestions for you after watching you feed him on that side. It took my son forever to get the right position on the right breast. I broke out with numerous LARGE blisters and bled until he correctly latched on. I found the football hold was the easiest with him on that side.

You can absolutely breastfeed with just one breast. I did that for 3-4 months with my son, and I was not, nor am I, lopsided! Although I would encourage you to find out why that one breast is giving you so much trouble, and seek help. The burning really does sound like thrush. The doctor can provide you with more answers. Good for you for not giving up!! :-)

YES!! I have 2 breasts but my left one doesn't like to co-operate. I spent about 6 straight years pg and breastfeeding 3 kids(in a row). My left breast was always a slow goer while my right side could have fed a third world country.
First though you have to find out why you are having this problem. I would suggest visiting a lactation consultant. I had the bleeding happen to me once and it was because I had a plugged duct. But you CAN breastfeed with one breast!! I admire you for NOT giving up.

I don't breastfeed exclusively on one breast, but my daughter does seem to prefer the right one (sometimes she won't take the left one). I do know my left breast produces a lot less milk when I pump. You could try offering the "problem" breast and only letting him nurse for a few minutes then switch to the other, or it may be easier on you to pump on that breast and just bottle feed the milk. You can try one of the nipples shields (not sure it's the right word, but the clear plastic things that look like a breast). From what I understand the baby can nurse right on that, and it won't hurt you. But I have heard of people nursing on one breast with no problem.

I know a girl who finally gave up nursing on both sides (having a lot of trouble on one side) and nursed both of her children exclusively on one breast! So, it can be done! Good luck!

I don't exclusively feed on one breast, but my left has always been the better "producer"! My daughter always had a hard time nursing on my right breast. I am usually lopsided, but oh well! She has always gotten enough milk and I have had no pain/issues. :)

I did nurse all 3 of my children, but it was with both sides. I know you can do just one side, if you don't mind being lop-sided(sp?).

You can breast feed that way but you will end up lopsided most likely. If you've not seen a doctor, make sure nothing is wrong such as thrush in your nipple area. If the doctor sees nothing medically wrong, consult with a lactate specialist about this issue, they are so very helpful at all stages of nursing. The La Leche League probably has someone in your area that could help.

It is common to have issues with one breast, nipples aren't created equally I'm afraid. We also tend to favor one side, right handed vs left handed & therefore it's easier to attach them to our favored side than the other. It could be he's not latching on properly on that side.

Don't give up just yet, he's still little.