I am breastfeeding my 11 day old son. I haven't stopped for anything, or been suplimenting with anything but I have been pumping. My left breast is about twice the size of my right one and my son is having a hard time latching on to my right one because there is no milk there it seems. When I pump, I actually get twice the amount of milk from the left one. Is there any way to make my right one produce more?
Thank you
2007-06-29 05:40:12 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
My son is 3 1/2 months old, and I have been nursing him since birth and pumping since I went back to work at 8 weeks. I have experienced the same issue. At times the left breast is bigger and appears to be producing better, and at times it is the right one. No matter what, though, I always get more from the left when I pump.
I disucssed it with the lactation consultant, and she didn't seem too concerned. She said that each breast is different - with different numbers of ducts, etc. She also said that there is milk in there, even when it appears to be "empty" to us. The total volume is what's important, not how evenly you arrived at it. (Also remember that there is not a pump in the world that is as effective as your son at getting the milk out.)
That being said, I always try to start my son on the right side to stimulate it. (But I nurse both sides at every feeding.) Do not skip feedings or pumping sessions, as that will cause your supply to decrease. Also, you can try pumping the right side for a few minutes after a feeding. Keep your fluid intake up - this is critical. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins and get as much sleep as possible. (I know that is hard right now, but I find I produce less when I am exhausted.) Also, you can try fenugreek capsules - with your doctor's okay, of course.
Good luck!
2007-06-29 05:52:47 · answer #1 · answered by Shannon 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had this same problem and got in contact with LLL & they told me there is nothing wrong, just keep treating the under-producing breast the same as the over-producing one. Some breasts have more milk vessles then others and thats not harmful. How about every time you feed you start on the right side, that may help. Good job with the breastfeeding and Good luck!!!
2007-06-29 12:54:30 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good job breastfeeding! I had the same problem with my first child. I just pumped the one that was producing less while my baby was on the other. I also used a heating pad on the breast to stimulate the milk production. I know it's tough trying to get him to latch on to the one producing less, and i know you're probably worried that he won't get enough to eat but you just need to keep trying! It will even its self out in time just make sure to try to make it produce as much as possible. If you're really concerned call your OB, they will either help you out or refer you to a lactation specialist. Good luck and keep up the good work!
2007-06-29 12:56:14 · answer #3 · answered by Emilyota 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your breasts produce as much milk today as you asked it to yesterday...that means when you are pumping, pump your right breast twice as much as you pump you left breast for a couple of days, and it will catch up! But make sure to use your left breast though, if you don't it will stop producing. Good Luck.
2007-06-29 13:04:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to use the right one more. Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. Pump it, have him nurse on it, whatever it takes. But, you need to use that side more!
2007-06-29 13:26:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have your baby latch on to the left one more often.. .Or pump that one to stimulate milk production... If you don't use it you lose it... .!!!
2007-06-29 12:48:22 · answer #6 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try not to favor one side over the other
it should even itself out
*mother of 3, i nursed all 3 of them with success*
Keep up the good work mom, kudos for breast feeding its much healthier for you and the baby!
2007-06-29 12:49:35 · answer #7 · answered by thisiswhoim 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋