today my left breast was so full of milk that I actually had to squeeze some out into a bottle (I don't have my pump yet), but my right breast is smaller and my right breast is usually the one that begins to leak or squirt first. What should I do when feeding my baby...feed from the right or left?
p.s. today was my first time squeezing the milk into a bottle due to the fact that my left breast was hurting me so bad!
2007-03-14 18:04:19 · 8 answers · asked by boredoutmymind 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You always want to rotate, start with the left at one feeding and the rght at another. Its common for one breast to produce more than the pther, and also for o ne to leak a little more than the other. There really isnt anything you can do to completely aleviate this, but, by alternating which breast the baby feeds from first, that should even it out. The baby is going to be hungrier and eat more from the breast they start with. Your right breast is probobly always going to leak first, because the ducts let down easier. You can potentially get more milk out of this pumping than with the left, even though it is bigger. Youll get to know your boy better than ever soon, im sure youll know what to do at what times. Good Luck!
2007-03-14 18:53:19 · answer #1 · answered by mayasmama2707 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem with one side being at least a full cup size bigger (fun buying bras!). I did have one nipple pierced but took it out while I was pregnant so not sure if this is why. Definitely more milk from the other side though!! I have been told it should settle down when I finish feeding.
If your left breast is hurting, I would only express enough to stop it hurting and keep feeding from alternate breasts.
You didn't say how old your baby is but I am assuming they are only a newborn. Once you get into a routine of feeding, your breasts should settle down a bit but keep it up - its such a good start in life for you baby!
2007-03-14 19:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by lizziebabe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem, what I do is nurse on the side that doesn't have a lot of milk and only switch when my baby gets mad about the lack of milk. It may sound mean but I am pretty sure that is the only way to keep them "even". I am going in for my babies two month check up and I plan on asking about it, if I find out anything different I will place another answer.
So I talked to the lactation consultant today and she said it is very normal for this to happen and it is one of the most asked questions. There is nothing wrong and there isn't a lot that you can do. Start with the side that you want to increase your supply and then switch unless you have too much in the other then obviously feed on that side.
2007-03-14 18:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is 9 months old and I am wayyy bigger on my right side. I had surgery on my left side and it apparantly affected the amount of delivery of milk to her. I had such a hard time in the beginning I was just happy she was getting fed. Now I'm just praying that I return to even on both sides when we are done. I have tried to start her on the small side but was never able to do so successfully. Best to deal with it as early as possible because it doesn't get easier! Oh yeah, I worked with a lactation consultant too, her advice never worked for me in that regard.... Good luck!
2007-03-14 18:20:30 · answer #4 · answered by coolmommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed on the more full or painful side first, but if you want to try and "even out" you will need to increase production on the right side. So put the baby on that side more frequently when they are not as hungry so the stimulation will cause the right side to make more milk.
2007-03-14 18:18:17 · answer #5 · answered by n2mama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have the same thing i think you should feed from the fuller breast because it is painful when its full i cant even sleep when mine are full but i went and got a pump to help but until just do it by hand and if your baby is still hungry after feeding from the full one do the other less full breast or at the next feeding switch
2007-03-14 18:09:51 · answer #6 · answered by Angie B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a Warm shower and express the milk there...you don't have to worry about having enough milk baby will make product of his needs! i usually give baby 5-10 minutes on one side and then switch over for additional 5-10 minutes and if baby wants more after that then continue but remember which one you finished with and start with the one you didn't finish on. make sense? congrats on nursing and continue doing a great job, my daughter is 8.5 months now and still nursing, she will not wean for nothing! =)
2007-03-14 18:09:26 · answer #7 · answered by Lovable 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feed off both sides, usually the fullest one first. I have a bigger and smaller one too and they don't always fill up the same. I start with the most uncomfortable one and then switch
2007-03-14 18:09:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋