I am breastfeeding my second child, who is 13 days old today. My question is about my boobs! At each feed I alternate breasts. However, my left breast is very soft indeed, and my right breast is terribly engorged (painfully). Baby feeds for about the same time at each breast (about 20-30 minutes), does not seem to prefer one breast to another, and seems satisfied from either. This happened with my firstborn too - any ideas why?
2006-07-14 00:16:32 · 4 answers · asked by Caroline B 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Many women have breasts that are different in size, shape, and/or function (just like some people have one hand or toe that is different from the one on the other side). If it were just this baby, it could be that baby is nursing more effectively from one side than the other--even if it is just as long and often.
I would guess, however, that one breast just has more storage capacity than the other. If your left breast can store 8 ounces and the right one 3 ounces, then when you have 3 ounces in each, one will be full, and the other almost empty...
2006-07-14 02:09:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be that one has a clogged duct and is not emptying properly. If you are very sure that is does not and it is still "bigger" then I would try feeding 2 feeding on the smaller side, then 1 on the bigger side until they match. If you have a breast pump, use it to see if the volume is the same or close coming out of each. Many times it's not the same but if you don't get anywhere near as much out of the bigger one then it's a good chance you could have a clogged duct. If it is a clogged duct you'll need to try to take care of it with warm compresses, more nursing on that side (or pumping) and massage on that side. Good luck!
2006-07-14 12:45:00 · answer #2 · answered by justagirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my daughter was new my left side was about four times bigger than the right--no joke! My left side still produces much more milk 11 months later, but the size difference is much less noticeable.
2006-07-14 12:34:13 · answer #3 · answered by all_my_armour_falling_down 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess one breast is producing milk at a faster capacity than the other; that would seem normal to me. If you're really worried about it, consult a physician.
2006-07-14 07:26:38 · answer #4 · answered by ceprn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋