Instead of breastfeeding, I've been pumping since my son was 7 wks (he's now 8 mo,) since its easier for me. From the beggining, it always seemed like my left breast gave more milk, but now, I actually get double the amount of milk from my left breast compared to the right side one, is this normal? I have a double pump (Medela), so I alway pump both of them simultaneously for the same almount of time.
I did the same with my first son a few years ago, but if I remember correctly, I got very similar amounts from both breasts, so I'm curious to know if this is common.
Thank you
It's normal to get more from one breast that the other. But, if you pump for longer or more often on the less-producing side, you might be able to up the production on that side.
Yes, it's common; happened to me x 3 kids. I would mention it to your practitioner next time you're there and discuss whether or not to investigate why. Usually if there is a problem like cyst of mastitis or clogged duct, you'll have pain.
Totally normal. However, having the infant feed directly from the breast will even out your supply. You could also be a mom that just has a lot of milk. I forget the actual term for it....
This is definitely something to ask your lactation consultant or to ask La Leche League online or via phone. Ask the hospital near you, they usually have one on staff or on call.
Breastfeeding is not an easy task to learn. For mom or baby. However, once you both get the hang of it, it is a wonderful bond. However, if it really is not a choice for you, pumping is better than nothing! Breastmilk is a wonderful gift!!
Good luck!!
I have two sons, soon to be three and one. I am still nursing the 11 month old now (he has never had formula, but now eats all appropriate table foods). My oldest I nursed exclusive for the first three-four months and weaned completely after 7 months.
My first never really was interested in eating. I think he only did it to stay alove. He is still not a great eater. So even with breastfeeding he never liked to sit still to eat. After I went back to work it got SUPER hard, he squirmed, he bit me, it was really hard. But I kept pumping at work and the evenings for months after I stopped nursing him at the breast. With my little one he always nursed well, no issues.
My body never responded to the pump like it responded to the baby. My supply died down without a baby actually at the breast. It sounds like you have been doing it for a while so God Bless you!! Depending on demand one breast can even be fully functional with one not functioning. I have found that while the whole lactation thing is supply and demand based it also depends on the individual breast.
yes its normal to produce more out of one side.
I breastfed more than pumped but I always had more on my left than my right. This happened to my friend as well. She got to the point where she only could breastfeed from one side. I think it's pretty normal but be careful, the friend that only had one side, had one huge boob and one little one! Don't let it go down to nothing on that side.
Completely normal, though you may be able to even out your supply if you add an extra few pumping sessions just on the right side.
peace :)
I still breastfeed my 13 month old and definatly have more milk on my left side! Its kinda noticably bigger even though i've tried only feeding on the littler side. She eats the same amount from both sides usually, but the left still fills up more!
I didn't exclusively pump but pumped occasionally. Mine definitely switched around which was more productive. Around five or six months into nursing, I noticed once was more productive and had a better let down, and I ended up having to start my son on that breast always (not switching sides anymore). I figured by doing that I was going to make it always produce more than the other, but the other side was a struggle. Then around a year, the other one started producing more, and I went back to switching the start side. I wouldn't worry about it, my supply was never hurt by it and I breastfed for over a year after that.
Your pump may be the cause. It may have greater suction on one side than the other....this would cause the imbalance if you don't switch sides with the pump...
K
