is this normal?

[Lewis's Mummy]

I can't remember what happened with DS1 at this stage, but DS2 seems to be slowing down... he's coming up to 4 weeks old and is stacking on the weight with plenty of wet and dirty nappies, so I know he's getting enough milk. But over the last few days he's basically not wanted anything from the second breast at all and seems to be finishing quicker on the first side. He's a bit chucky and I offer him more once he settles back down after a burp, fart or chuck, all of which make him fuss at the breast and then come off with a look of reluctance on his face... sometimes he has a bit more and sometimes he just dozes off instead. Is it normal for them to start slowing down this early? He was cluster feeding of an afternoon and evening too, but even that seems to be drawing out longer now, feeding every 2 hours or so during that time instead of almost constantly... oh how I wish boobs and babies came with fuel guages...

[human bean]

I wish they came with guages too!! My DD also did this, I'm pretty sure around the 4 week mark too, only taking one side at each feed for about a week, then it upped back up to two. It confused me, but it seemed to be all she needed/wanted, and she only ever has one side through the night now, but drinks from both sides all day long. I've started to realise there are all kinds of normal when it comes to BF! HTH

[~clover~]

My DS never really took the second side. I think if he's happy, settled & healthy (enough wet & dirty nappies, good weights) then you are doing exactly what needs to be done
I'm sure he'll let you know if he wants more

[onthefly]

Probably just a pause, enjoy it will it lasts. By six weeks he'll be guzzling round the clock again probably! As long as the outward signs (especially output) all look good just try to relax about it and go with the flow.

[MantaRay]

Hun, sometimes babies at that age can get a full feed in 5 minutes (not often, but it happens!). Wanting the second side does seem to come and go too. As long as the nappy count is good, I would say enjoy the break! As Marcellus says, the feeding well might pick up again.

I think the nappy count kind of is a fuel gauge

[Barb Glare]

In the end, babies feed the way babies want to feed - be that long leisurely feeds or quick feeds. We hover, tinkering around the edges! he sounds like an efficient feeder. Sometimes they "know" that the other side will just be too much for their little tummy. He sounds like a normal, thriving baby. I am convinced that it is waaay better they don't come with guages. It would tell you how much they had - but it still wouldn't tell you how much they wanted or needed - don't watch the numbers - watch the baby!

[Lewis's Mummy]

Thanks everyone. I have to remind myself to just go with it. Today he's fed so quickly each time, still usually just the one side, and when I've offered the other side he either starts out like he's starving and then comes off in a hurry and chucks it back up, or simply doesn't take the boob... I guess he might just be efficient. He seems to get lots of wind too and occasionally the chuck is heading towards projectile - one this morning early missed me entirely and ended up on the floor about half a meter behind me!! But I guess, as you all say, he's peeing and pooing like a champ, getting a double chin and chubby cheeks and gone up a size in wonder suits and once we get rid of the wind he settles ok, so he must be getting what he needs.