If you are a breastfeeding mom, have you noticed that one breast always produces less milk than the other? Are you wondering how to solve this problem? In this article, we will introduce some practical ways to balance milk supply and make breastfeeding a more comfortable and meaningful experience for you and your baby.

Why Is One Breast Producing Less Milk?

During breastfeeding, there are several reasons why one breast may produce less milk than the other.

1. Latching Issues: Sometimes your baby may not be able to suckle well on one breast. This results in less stimulation of one breast and less milk production.

2. Breastfeeding Preference: Usually, babies show a preference for one breast. This may be because they are comfortable with that side of the breast, which affects the amount of milk they need from that side of the breast.

3. Blocked Milk Ducts: If the milk ducts in one breast are blocked more frequently than the other, this can result in less milk flowing through that breast, reducing the amount of milk supplied by that breast.

4. Previous Surgery or Lnjury: Any surgeries or injuries on one breast, such as breast reduction or surgical scars, can affect its ability to produce as much milk as the other breast.

5. Anatomical Differences: Every woman's breasts are a little different. Differences in the amount of milk-producing tissue or differences in the shape of the nipple can make a breast less efficient at producing milk.

What Are the Influences of Pumping from One Breast Only?

First, the breast that is pumped more often may produce more milk due to frequent stimulation, while the other breast may produce less milk due to insufficient use. This situation can also cause physical discomfort or pain because the breast is not completely emptied, which may lead to diseases such as mastitis. Frequent pumping may also change the appearance of the breast, making the breast that is used more frequently larger.

Second, this practice will also affect the way your baby feeds. Your baby may prefer the breast that is pumped more often, especially if there is more milk in that breast. This can make it difficult for your baby to use the less used breast to feed.

Finally, if you only use one breast to pump, your baby may not get the full nutritional and immune benefits provided by foremilk and hindmilk, because their composition changes during each feeding and throughout the day.

How to Increase Milk Supply in One Breast?

In order to increase your milk supply from one breast, there are several strategies you can adopt to increase milk production. Here is a simple and straightforward approach:

1. Nurse or Pump More Frequently

You can breastfeed or pump from the breast that is producing less Pumping every 2-3 hours. This regular stimulation lets your body know that it needs to increase pumping production. It will even out Pumping production over time.

2. Start Feeding from the Less Productive Side

It is recommended to start with the side that is producing less milk first. Babies tend to suck more vigorously at the beginning of a feed, which gives that breast a better workout and allows it to produce more milk.

3. Use a Breast Pump After Nursing

After bilateral breastfeeding, it is recommended to continue using the breast pump on the breast that produces less milk for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the breasts are completely emptied, thus stimulating an increase in milk production and avoiding any risk of reflux, which can lead to blockages and infections.

4. Ensure Adequate Hydration and Nutrition

Maintaining your water intake and eating a healthy diet is important for your milk supply. Stay hydrated throughout the day and include foods such as oats, almonds, and fenugreek in your diet that are known to increase milk production. These foods help you increase your milk supply naturally.

5. Apply Breast Massage and Compression Techniques

You can massage and compress your breasts while you breastfeed or express milk. This can help to completely empty your milk ducts and increase milk flow. It can also prevent blockages and make the whole process more comfortable.

These practical ways can help you increase your milk supply from one breast and ensure that both breasts are healthy and your baby receives adequate nutrition. If you can't improve after trying these methods, consider consulting a lactation consultant for more professional advice.

How to Increase Milk Supply in One Breast Exclusively Pumping？

If you only want to use a breast pump for suctioning and you want the breast pump to increase milk supply to one breast, you can use it in several ways:

• Pump More Often: To increase your milk supply on the side where you're not producing enough milk, start by expressing it more often. Expressing it every 2-3 hours is effective because it mimics your baby's natural feeding schedule, allowing your body to produce more milk.

• Check if the Breast Pump Is Suitable: Make sure your pump has the right-sized breast pump silicone flange. An ill-sized breast pump silicone flange can reduce your efficiency and make the pumping process uncomfortable, which can negatively affect your milk supply.

• Extend the Pumping Time: After you've finished pumping both breasts, spend an additional 5-10 minutes pumping on the breast that's producing less milk. This extra time can increase stimulation and encourage your breast to produce more milk.

• Massage While Pumping: Use your hands to massage your breasts while you pump. This technique can help to empty the breast more completely and stimulate extra milk production, which can improve milk flow.

• Consider Using a More Powerful Breast Pump: If you want to maximize your milk supply, consider upgrading to a more powerful breastfeeding product, such as an electric breast pump or double electric breast pump. These pumps provide stronger suction, which can be more effective in stimulating milk production.

Conclusion

All in all, increasing the milk supply in one breast is simple if you do it right. This includes feeding more frequently from the side with a lower milk supply, good positioning, and using a breast pump. Also, don’t forget the role of proper hydration and a nutritious diet, which can also affect milk supply. If you’re still struggling, consider speaking to a lactation consultant for tailored advice and support.

Related reading: How to Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping?

FAQs

What to drink to produce more breast milk?

To increase your breast milk production, you need to stay hydrated, so make sure to drink plenty of water. You can also drink herbal teas like fenugreek, holy thistle, and fennel, which can also increase milk supply. You can also try a lactation smoothie made with blends like oats, almonds, and flaxseed, which can also help. Another option is non-alcoholic beer, which has barley in it that can stimulate prolactin. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider before adding herbal supplements or making major changes to your diet.

How to decrease milk supply in one breast?

To reduce the milk supply from one breast, you can try breastfeeding or pumping less often, which will reduce stimulation and signal your body to produce less milk. Using a cold compress after feedings can also reduce milk supply. You can also use your other breast more during feedings to help balance your milk supply. If one breast is still producing too much milk, you may need to try blocking feedings, such as feeding from the lower-producing breast a few times first. If you feel uncomfortable or are unsure what to do, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider for some personalized advice.

Why is one breast suddenly producing less milk?

To increase your nighttime milk supply, you can feed or pump more often in the evening to take advantage of the natural rise in prolactin levels at night. Then drink enough water and eat well to stimulate milk production. You can also try pumping vigorously before bed to mimic cluster feeding, which can help increase your milk supply. Don't forget to rest; getting enough rest is important because fatigue can actually reduce your milk supply.