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Less milk in one breast: what to do, why, how to return
The situation when there is less milk in one breast is common. For one reason or another, a woman seeks to “exploit” a lighter breast, and this is her mistake.
Why milk is produced unevenly
If you do not take reasons such as surgery or structural features, then we can talk about insufficient stimulation of the mammary gland. Sometimes the treatment of mastitis or lactostasis – blockage of the milk duct plays a role.
There may be less milk in one breast if the mother feeds in a comfortable position.
Poor breast stimulation is associated with mum’s mistakes when feeding a baby, for example:
- The woman does not give the baby a breast with a flat nipple.
- Mom chooses a habitual position for feeding.
- A young mother carries a baby girl in a sling on the comfortable side.
All this contributes to the development of a “comfortable” breast.
The kid is actively involved in this process. He quickly realizes that food is pouring out of one breast, and he has to “fight” with the other. The baby follows the path of least resistance and requires a “comfortable” breast from the mother. He begins to be capricious, showing his displeasure, and mom gives in.
What to do to make milk “flow evenly”
At the beginning of feeding, it is necessary to establish equality between the two teats. As comfortable as you are, strive to alternate breasts. Schedule or memorize the order of milk delivery. It is also necessary to express it evenly – the same amount of milk from both breasts.
How to return broken equality
If one breast “let down”, and the baby does not want to help the mother, you will have to choose the path of deception. The challenge is to develop the “wrong” mammary gland. There are several ways:
- Assign “priority” to less milk-producing breasts. Start feeding with her, giving “big” breasts every other time.
- For longer feeding periods, only provide the infant with an “undeveloped” nipple. This can be done at night when the baby is eating almost without waking up.
- If the nipple is irregular, learn to give it correctly. Consult a feeding specialist or doctor. Channel your energy into teaching your baby to pick up the nipple correctly.
- Be patient if your baby drops an “uncomfortable” breast. Offer it several times, otherwise you will have to express milk yourself.
The time spent on teaching your baby to have a “low-quality” breast will be rewarded. As soon as the invaluable vessel is full enough, the baby will gladly assist you in developing “weak” breasts.
The main reason for the different amounts of milk in the left and right breasts is their uneven development. Daily work with a breast problem can give a good result.