Baby is breastfeeding less

by Molly
(Springville, UT)

I am very grateful I have been able to breastfeed my baby without too much trouble but lately she will only eat on one breast during a feeding. She used to eat on both sides for 10 to 20 mins. each, but the last couple of weeks she will only eat on one side during a feeding. I am worried she isn't getting enough to eat. I do alternate breasts so she will eat on both breasts but not during the same feeding. Should I be worried or is this just a stage and if she was hungry she would eat? Or could it be possible that she isn't getting enough and isn't trying to eat more cause it's more difficult than a bottle? We feed her one bottle of formula at night so she can have vitamin d and get used to eating from a bottle.

Answer from the lactation consultant
This is one of those situations where a written question, simply does not give me enough information to answer the question properly.
My answer is based on ASSUMPTION.
I am assuming, the child is having 6-8 saturated wet diapers a day and at least one stool per day.
It is quite common for babies to just eat from one breast at a feeding.
I would recommend you read this article on vitamin d.article on vitamin d by Dr.Jack Newman
If you feel she must be supplemented with vitamin d, why not give her vitamin d drops? I would never suggest bottle feeding formula for this purpose. If you are returning to work or school and need her to be able to drink from a bottle, once a week feeds are usually sufficient. I do not recommend bottle feeding otherwise.
If this does not answer your question completely, I recommend a private chat via skype or a phone consultation so I can better assess your situation and give more precise recommendations.
Liz Pevytoe RN, IBCLC