Many mothers experience a difference in milk production between their two breasts while pumping, and this can be a cause for concern. However, it’s important to know that it’s completely normal to have uneven milk output, and there are various factors that can contribute to this phenomenon. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the common causes of uneven milk production, and offer practical solutions to help you achieve better milk supply balance.

Is It Normal for One Breast to Produce Less Milk?

Yes, it is normal for many mothers to experience a difference in milk production between breasts.

If you’ve noticed that one breast seems to produce more milk than the other when pumping, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue, and most mothers experience some variation in milk output from one breast to the other at some point in their breastfeeding journey.

The good news is that in most cases, a difference in milk production doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. The amount of milk you pump can fluctuate for various reasons, and these fluctuations are typically temporary. Understanding why this happens can help alleviate any concerns and guide you in managing your milk supply effectively.

Common Causes of Uneven Milk Production

Several factors contribute to why one breast might produce less milk when pumping. Let’s take a closer look at these common causes:

Anatomical Differences

Every woman’s body is different, and this includes differences in breast tissue and milk ducts. One breast may naturally have more glandular tissue or a greater number of milk ducts than the other. This can result in more milk production on that side. Conversely, a breast with fewer ducts may not produce as much milk. These anatomical variations are completely normal and may vary from person to person.

Latch and Feeding Habits

If your baby consistently latches better on one side than the other, this can affect milk production. A strong, effective latch stimulates milk production more effectively. If your baby struggles to latch or feeds less efficiently on one side, that breast may produce less milk over time. Additionally, if you have a preference for nursing on one side, this can lead to a temporary difference in milk supply between the breasts.

Pumping Technique and Position

The way you pump can significantly influence how much milk is expressed. Poor positioning or incorrect suction settings can prevent your breast from being emptied properly. If you’re not using the pump effectively, you may not be stimulating milk production on that side as well as you are on the other.

For example, the MomMed S21 wearable pump is designed to offer hands-free convenience while providing effective suction to help empty both breasts. If you're pumping while moving or multitasking, a wearable pump like the S21 can make a big difference in ensuring that both breasts are emptied properly.

Previous Injuries or Surgery

If you've had surgery, injury, or trauma to one breast or nipple, it can affect milk production on that side. Any scarring or damage to the breast tissue, milk ducts, or nerves may interfere with milk flow and lead to a reduction in milk production. Additionally, conditions like breast reductions or implants may also affect milk supply, although many mothers with these procedures can still breastfeed successfully with proper support.

Hormonal Imbalances

Breast milk production is primarily regulated by hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin. If there’s a hormonal imbalance, it can cause differences in milk output between your breasts. This could be due to factors like stress, thyroid issues, or postpartum hormonal fluctuations.

If your milk supply continues to be uneven, it’s important to consider other potential hormonal issues, and it might be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

How to Address the Issue of Uneven Milk Production

If you’re concerned about the difference in milk output from your two breasts, there are several strategies you can try to balance your milk production:

Pump Both Breasts Simultaneously

One effective strategy is to pump both breasts at the same time. This can stimulate milk production on both sides, ensuring that your breasts are emptied equally. Double pumping not only saves time but can help improve milk production by increasing prolactin levels, the hormone responsible for milk production.

Using a pump like the MomMed S10 Pro portable pump, a powerful double electric pump, can help you pump both breasts simultaneously with consistent suction power. This can encourage better milk flow on both sides and ensure your breasts are being emptied equally.

Switch Sides Often During Feeding or Pumping

Another technique is to switch sides frequently during feeding or pumping sessions. This helps stimulate both breasts evenly and encourages better milk production. If you’re breastfeeding, allow your baby to nurse on one breast for about 10-15 minutes before switching to the other. When pumping, alternate between breasts every few minutes to ensure both sides get proper stimulation.

Ensure Proper Pumping Technique

It’s important to make sure you’re using the correct technique when pumping. Make sure the flange is the correct size and fits comfortably on your breast. Using the wrong size flange can lead to insufficient milk expression and discomfort. Additionally, ensure that the suction level is strong enough to stimulate milk flow but not too painful.

If you're using a wearable pump like the MomMed S21 breast pump, ensure it’s positioned correctly and that you’re not over-tightening or under-tightening the device. Many wearable pumps come with adjustable settings to help you find the optimal level of suction.

Massage and Compression

Breast massage and compression are effective techniques to enhance milk output by promoting milk flow through the ducts. Gentle massage before and during pumping can help stimulate the breasts and encourage milk to flow more freely. You can massage your breasts in circular motions or gently knead the breast tissue to encourage milk production and release. This can also help in softening the breast if it feels engorged or full, making it easier for the pump to extract milk.

Compression is another helpful technique. While pumping, you can apply gentle pressure by squeezing your breasts in a rhythmic motion. This helps express milk from the milk ducts more efficiently, especially if milk is being produced but not flowing easily. Compression encourages milk to flow from areas that might be more difficult to empty, such as the outer parts of the breast.

Together, breast massage and compression can help prevent issues like clogged ducts, stimulate further milk production, and ensure that you’re effectively emptying both breasts. If you continue to experience imbalances in milk production between your breasts, these techniques are helpful in addressing those challenges.

Use Power Pumping

Power pumping mimics cluster feeding, which is a natural way of encouraging milk production. You can try power pumping by pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating this cycle for an hour. This helps stimulate prolactin levels and can increase milk production over time.

If you're using a wearable pump like the MomMed S21 electric breast pump, you can still perform power pumping comfortably without being tethered to a stationary pump. Its portability allows you to pump for longer periods, helping to boost your milk supply.

Check for Underlying Health Issues

If uneven milk production persists despite trying the above strategies, it may be a good idea to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying health issues that might be affecting your milk supply, such as hormonal imbalances, infections, or physical conditions.

When to Seek Professional Help

While uneven milk production is usually temporary and manageable, there are times when it’s important to seek professional help:

Persistent Discrepancy in Milk Output

If one breast continues to produce significantly less milk despite your efforts to stimulate milk production, it might be time to consult with a lactation consultant. They can assess your pumping technique, check for any latch issues, and offer guidance on how to resolve the imbalance.

Painful Pumping or Discomfort

If you experience pain, discomfort, or tenderness while pumping on one side, this could be a sign of an issue such as clogged ducts, mastitis, or an infection. It’s important to address these symptoms early to prevent further complications.

Significant Decrease in Milk Production

If both breasts start to produce significantly less milk over time, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as hormonal imbalances or insufficient glandular tissue. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause and provide treatment options.

Conclusion

Uneven milk production between breasts is a common issue that many mothers experience. Whether it’s caused by anatomical differences, hormonal imbalances, or pumping technique, there are several ways to manage and improve milk supply balance. With the right tools and techniques, like using the MomMed S21 wearable pump or incorporating breast massage, you can help stimulate milk production and ensure both breasts are emptied properly.

If you continue to struggle with uneven milk output, seeking advice from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can offer tailored solutions. Remember, a slight difference in milk production doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, but with the right support and tools, you can keep your milk supply healthy and abundant.