I was wondering if anyone had this or knows about this breastfeeding problem that I get. I'm on my 3rd baby...and while nursing my first 2 boys (9 & 5 now) one of my breasts didn't seem to fill back up with milk. THey were 2 completely different sizes...big lopsided-ness going on!! And during the pregnancy and like right now,they are fine, both getting bigger and sore...but once the babies were born and I started feeding them, within like a week or so, one was constantly filling back up, while the other was just kinda sitting there. And it seemed like when my milk first came in, it was on both sides, normal. Has anyone else dealt with this...or know what this is and how to correct it? I want to be able to feed my daughter and still look normal!! THanks mamas :)
B.,
Start your baby out on breastfeeding on that side(the smaller one) each time for feedings for a few weeks. That is the only way I was able to kind of correct my own size difference. Good luck!
Molly
Sounds like you favor one breast when feeding.
I have an inverted nipple on one side and it is easier to use the other side. So consequently one side makes better milk and is slightly bigger.
2 ideas: 1) pay attention to giving equal time to both breasts, 2) always start feeding with the breast that is smaller so that it produces more milk or pump from that side more.
Even though you've done it before, you might get some helpful info from the Sears book on Breastfeeding.
Pump the lazy side twice as often as the productive side to get it up to speed. It's normal - but annoying, huh?
It sounds like you may have had some issues with your sons' latch on that particular breast. Be very conscious of how she latches on that side as latch is the most important part of breastfeeding. Without a proper latch, your body won't get the supply and demand signals it needs to ensure a good supply.
Nursing Mothers Counsel is here for moms like you, and we do one-on-one peer counseling for free. If you'd like, you can have your own counselor just by calling (650) 327-MILK. We also do breastfeeding classes at Mills Medical Center in San Mateo and Lullaby Lane in San Bruno if you'd like to attend one (maybe just to "brush up" on your knowledge). I'd be happy to send you one of our brochures, and you can always check out our website at http://www.nursingmothers.org.
Congratulations on your 3rd :)
G.
I have a similar problem. My daughter was favoring the right and sometimes would even refuse the left. I think she figured out that the left side doesn't produce as much and then got used to laying on her left side to eat on the right and started refusing the left. So obviously this made the problem worse!
I tricked her and did the football hold so she is on her left side, just as she would be when feeding on the right breast but she's eating on the left breast. She hasn't caught on yet and it helped me produce a little more on the left side.
I guess we'll see how my breasts turn out when its all done! They are a little less lopsided now.
Hope that helps!
B.,
You could try nursing more on the smaller side to fill it up with more milk. It is bassed on supply and demand as you know, but if one goes unused, then it won't produce as much.
W. M.
