when pumping today i cant seem to get any milk from my left breast (which is normally my best pumping breast) could this mean i have a clogged duct or am drying up?
im a new mom im paranoid lol
2007-08-15 11:27:43 · 7 answers · asked by hamletsjadedlover 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
your not dried up! lol let the baby nurse from it. the baby is going to do a better job at getting that milk out than any pump will. if you become sore run or soak your breast under warm water. and you can try massaging it. if it's a clogged duct all of the above should help. or you could just be pumping too much for that breast to handle try cutting back some! good luck
2007-08-15 11:53:10 · answer #1 · answered by MotherTeresa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you've stopped making any demands on your body for milk, it's VERY unlikely that you've just dried up. It could be the onset of a period, stress, or you may be having a hard time responding to the pump. The more you stress over it, the harder it is going to be. Even with a clogged duct, you'll still be able to produce milk (thank GOD) - there are dozens of ducts in there, and one being clogged won't stop your ability to produce.
Pumping is never a good indicator of supply, because the pump just can't stimulate the breasts as easily as a baby can. Plenty of women have great supplies and can't pump a drop. Relax, take a hot shower, massage your breasts, look at your baby or a picture of your baby, and try again. MOst of all, try not to worry.
2007-08-15 18:34:03 · answer #2 · answered by Dragonchilde 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had that problem with my last pregnancy. After about 3 weeks I just dried up. Make sure you're eating 3 regular meals a day and plenty of water. Eating ice really helped me along this time. ( I just had my baby on the 7th of August). Try warm showers, loose bras, lots of fluids, and let the baby suckle every now and then, it really helps in milk production. Some times all you need is a break. I can usually pump enough for about 2 feedings at a time, this lets me rest for a feeding. By the 3rd feeding I'm full again. Also, if your breasts feel hard and sore, they're probably full and this would be a good time to pump. Just let you're body tell you when it's ready. Lefty probably just needs a little time off to refuel. (My right is my best, baby preferred too, had the same problem right after I left the hospital).
2007-08-15 18:41:31 · answer #3 · answered by carmel_princess1 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you should pump both breasts at the same time.make sure the breast shield you have fits properly otherwise you wont get as much milk as you should
http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/faq/breastshield_fit.html
eventually your milk supply diminshes with pumping...its just not the same as a baby suckling(you know that already im sure)
i always got just a little bit more from one side than the other too
2007-08-15 18:34:05 · answer #4 · answered by suzyswitchblade 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't get as much milk out by pumping as you do by nursing. A babies mouth is made perfectly for nursing, and a pump is not. Don't worry.
2007-08-15 18:37:44 · answer #5 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you're not 'drying up'- that would be EXTREMELY unlikely. Check out this link on pumping:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
2007-08-15 18:31:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a few factors that can come into play including stress, exhaustion, and not enough stimulation. Don't worry about it. Try again later.
2007-08-15 18:33:09 · answer #7 · answered by seatonrsp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋