One of my breasts seems to produce more milk than the other. What can I do to even this out? I’m feeling lopsided!
It can be awkward to feel like one breast is bigger than the other and wonder if people notice. It’s likely not as noticeable to others as it is to you, but there are things you can do to even things out a bit.
Causes of Lopsided Supply
This is normal, and many moms deal with uneven milk production! It is due to a few factors, which we will discuss in more detail.
Storage Capacity: This refers to the amount of breast milk that can be stored in the breasts at one time. Storage capacity does not depend on breast size or determine your ability to make milk. Women with small breasts can have a large storage capacity, while women with large breasts can have a small storage capacity. Women can have different storage capacities in each breast, resulting in one breast producing more than the other.
The rock star: This is your overachiever breast. You may always produce more on this side, but that’s okay.
The backup singer: This is your lazy breast, content leaving the majority of the milk production to the overachieving “rock star.”
When determining adequate milk supply, we look at overall output from both breasts combined over a 24-hour period. One interesting fact is that mothers who can only breastfeed using one breast (perhaps due to a mastectomy after a cancer diagnosis) can make enough milk to exclusively breastfeed their baby.
Favoring One Side: We all have favorites, and this applies to breastfeeding too. The more often and effectively milk is removed, the more milk will be made. On the other hand, when milk is removed less often, less milk will be made.
Baby’s preference: Baby may feel more comfortable with how they are being held when nursing or be able to achieve a better latch on the preferred breast.
Mom’s preference: Mom may feel more natural holding baby a certain way. It may be trickier to achieve a deep latch on the less preferred breast.
Try the slide-over technique. Start on the “rock star,” and when the milk lets down, slide baby over to the “backup singer” (cradle-hold to football-hold). This way, nothing has changed with baby’s position at the breast, and it may seem more comfortable for both of you.
Milk Flow Aversion: The let-down reflex occurs when milk starts flowing out of your breast. When your baby first latches on, they are only getting the milk that is stored near the nipple (which isn’t much). Baby’s sucking triggers two important hormones, vital to breastfeeding, that cause the milk to release from the ducts located deeper in the breast.
Too Slow: If the flow of milk is too slow on the “backup singer” breast, mom can stimulate letdown by hand expressing or pumping, then latch baby immediately so they receive a faster flow of milk right away. Breast compressions during the feeding will keep milk flowing.
Too Fast: If the flow of milk is too fast, mom can stimulate letdown by hand expressing or pumping, then wait to latch baby until the flow of milk slows. The laid-back breastfeeding position can slow the flow too.
Refusing One Side: This goes beyond preference, and exploring potential causes of breast refusal is important.
Pain: Talk to your doctor about any birth injuries or other possible causes (like jaw or neck tension, such as torticollis) contributing to baby’s discomfort in certain nursing positions.
Illness: Ear infections or other illnesses can make nursing painful when laying a particular way during a breastfeeding session. Share symptoms with your doctor, and discuss treatment options.
Tips for Evening Out
There are things you can try to encourage the “backup singer” to take the spotlight.
- Start baby on that breast for each feeding: Babies usually nurse more vigorously on the first breast offered.
- Nurse on that breast twice as often: If baby nurses on one side per feeding, nurse on the “backup singer” breast two times in a row and then once on the “rock star”.
- Use breast compressions: This technique increases milk flow and can increase overall milk supply.
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Add some pumping sessions on the “backup singer” breast only:
- Pump for 5–10 minutes after some feedings.
- Add a 10–20 minute pumping session between feedings.
- Power pump by expressing breast milk during several short, closely spaced sessions (see attached infographic for a how-to).
- Use the hands-on pumping technique to maximize output and increase milk supply.
If the “rock star” becomes too full, express just enough milk to relieve the pressure. Becoming overfull can result in plugged ducts or progress to mastitis.
Many moms notice an evening out to some degree within 3-5 days of following these steps. Most moms use these methods temporarily, until they see the results they want, while others keep using them long-term.
Finding a Balance
Lopsided milk supply can be annoying and uncomfortable, but keep in mind the incredible benefits your baby is receiving thanks to your dedication. Most importantly, trust your body, and know that you’re providing exactly what your baby needs.
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