Uneven Breastmilk Output

Three bottles of breast milk

So you have a bit of a Regina George situation, huh (Mean Girls reference talked all about on my instagram)? One breast is pouring out milk, while the other is being a total #slackerboob. Many of us can relate— did you know this is so common, mama?! Many of us are grappling with the best way to “even out” our output, but you don’t have to do anything if it’s not affecting you and baby’s breastfeeding relationship. I know, being lopsided isn’t a total self-confidence booster, so let’s go through some ways we can try to even things out.

causes OF UNEVEN SUPPLY:

  • Baby prefers one side: Baby typically prefers one side over the other. One side may have a faster flow, or they may feel more comfortable in a certain nursing position on a specific side, thus nursing that side more frequently or efficiently.

  • Mama prefers one side: Mamas may instinctively (without knowing) offer one side more than the other. One side may be easier position-wise for mama, so she may gravitate toward nursing on that side more often

  • History of Breast Trauma/Surgery

  • Anatomy: Typically anatomy is different in each breast— no two are the same! One breast usually has more ducts and alveoli (milk making tissue/glands) than the other, causing an higher production in one over the other. Nipples are also different— one may be more everted than the other, which can cause baby to prefer latching one side versus the other.

If your newborn is only wanting to nurse on one side, refusing the other, have your baby evaluated by the pediatrician. Sometimes birth injuries can show up later as discomfort with certain positions

Karrie nursing her youngest, Lou.

LET’S GET even (in a good way!):

Remember, it’s okay to do nothing if it’s not affecting you and your breastfeeding relationship with baby. However, there are some small adjustments that (when done consistently) can help even the playing field.

Okayyy, Karrie, but what can we do?!

You know how I harp on demand=supply all the time? It’s a fact. That’s why. The same applies here, mama!

  • Offer the smaller side first- babies typically nurse better/more efficiently on the first breast offered because they’re hungry

  • Pump only the smaller side after each feeding- pumping 5-10 minutes on the smaller/lower output side after nursing sessions helps “put in orders” for more milk and tells our body “what you gave baby was great, but more is needed”.

  • Offer the smaller/lower output side more often- Offering the lower output side more often increases stimulation on this side, thus increasing production

  • Pump only the smaller/lower output side between feeds- pumping 10-20 minutes between feedings on only the smaller/lower output side puts in orders for more milk as well

Overwhelmed? Don’t Be! Start with one of these options and add in another if needed. Typically implementing these options can take a few days or so before results appear, then you can cease this. Remember, it’s important that when trying to up supply/flow on one side, we cannot neglect or forget the other side! Neglecting the other side can lead to clogged ducts/mastitis and lower supply on that side. If the already-larger/higher supply side becomes engorged when you’re catering to that lower-supply side, pump enough for relief (not to empty!). It’s also a great idea to apply warmth before nursing/pumping sessions on either side!

If baby is suddenly refusing one side, this could be the start of a nursing strike. I discuss more about nursing strikes here.

xx, karrie

 

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