Should I offer both breasts at each feed?
Offer the second breast after your baby finishes the first, but don’t force a feed. Babies and feeding plans differ.
The short answer
NHS guidance says to let your baby finish the first breast, then offer the second. Your baby may or may not want it. Follow your baby’s cues and ask your midwife or breastfeeding specialist if feeding or milk supply is a concern.
Offer the second side after the first
The NHS advises letting your baby finish the first breast, then offering the second. This gives your baby the opportunity to feed from both sides, but it doesn’t mean they must take milk from both at every feed.
Babies vary in how long they feed and whether they want the second breast. Watch your baby rather than timing the feed by the clock. If you’re unsure what an effective feed looks like, ask a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist to observe a feed.
Alternate which side you start with
The NHS says offering both breasts and alternating which side you start with can help stimulate milk supply. A simple note about the last side offered may help you remember where to begin next time, especially when caregivers share the record.
A tracking note is only a memory aid. It can’t measure how much milk your baby took or tell you whether your supply is enough. See the separate guide to remembering which breast to start with for a simple record keeping approach.
Get support if you are worried
If your baby is difficult to wake, feeds poorly, or you’re concerned about wet nappies or weight, contact your care team promptly. Follow any feeding plan, including plans for premature babies or babies being monitored for jaundice, blood sugar or weight.
If breastfeeding hurts or your baby doesn’t seem satisfied after feeds, ask for help with positioning and attachment. This article summarizes UK NHS guidance and can’t check milk transfer or replace advice from your baby’s care team.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.