Should I feed from one breast or both breasts at each feeding session?

Both approaches are evidence-supported, and the right choice depends on supply and the baby's weight gain rather than a fixed rule. Finishing one breast fully before offering the second allows the baby to access hindmilk — the higher-fat milk released later in a feed — which supports satiety and weight gain. Switching breasts partway through can be useful for mothers actively working to increase supply, since more frequent stimulation across both breasts signals higher production.

The baby should be allowed to self-detach from the first breast, shown by slower sucking, releasing the nipple, or falling asleep, before the second breast is offered. If the baby is gaining weight well and stooling adequately, one breast per feed is fine, with the second breast offered at the next feed. If supply concerns exist or weight gain is slow, both breasts should be offered each feed, switching sides when active sucking slows.