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February 2014 Moms
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What to do: One boob seems to be drying up, the other is still going strong

jpoindahousejpoindahouse member
edited March 2014 in February 2014 Moms

I almost exclusively pump due to latch issues, having to use a nipple shield, and just really inefficient nursing. I can get LO to latch and nurse, but it takes forever and is very frustrating for him.  I have always noticed a difference in my right and left breast's output while pumping, but this difference is becoming more and more marked. At this point only about a fifth of my output is from my left breast.. I'm worried my left breast is drying up. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Wanted to add that my overall output is the same, so it isn't just a question of my right breast just yielding more milk. My left breast is yielding less.

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Re: What to do: One boob seems to be drying up, the other is still going strong

  • Soap1Soap1 member
    I had the same problem when EPing, and I do to some extent with nursing.  It is definitely possible for one breast to be producing significantly less, although drying up completely is unlikely.

    I'd suggest leaving the pump on your left breast an additional 4-5 minutes after you've pumped both.

    You can also look into supplements to up your overall supply, which would help your lazy breast ;)  Fenugreek, Reglan (Rx only), and Domperidone (order online from Canada) are all great options; I had the most success with Domperidone - inhousepharmacy.biz is a good resource if you choose that option.
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  • breadpuddingbreadpudding member
    When I had that problem with DS1, I drank Mother's Milk Tea and I swear by it. You can buy it in stores. My milk was starting to dry up and I could only pump AT MOST 2 oz at a time from both breasts COMBINED. It was awful. So I found Mother's Milk Tea and drank two cups throughout a course of my first day. Later that night DH and I went out to eat and as I was getting out of the car I noticed something wet on my shirt. I had completely leaked through my breast pads, through my thick bra, an undershirt and my over shirt. It was an insane amount of leakage. I have never been so happy about leaking before. ;) It's really worth a try. :)
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  • karichkarich member
    Very normal for one breast to produce more than the other.
    My right has always produced more than my left.
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  • jpoindahousejpoindahouse member
    karich said:
    Very normal for one breast to produce more than the other. My right has always produced more than my left.

    Yes, I know. I think all women have a discrepancy, but that is not my concern.  I'm concerned because my left breast is now producing much less than it was at the beginning, to the point where it is not producing much at all. The supply in my right breast has increased and the supply in my left breast has considerably decreased. I understand that there are typically discrepancies between breasts, but what I am asking is if there is anything I can do to boost the supply in one breast or if I should be concerned that the supply in one breast is decreasing
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  • karichkarich member
    Ahhhh I'm sorry! Reading is hard, apparently :)

    You can try to increase that one side's output by:
    Offering the smaller breast to baby first when you do nurse.
    Pump for an extra 10-15 min after feeding to signal that side to step it up.
    Add in an extra pumping session for that side only.
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  • jpoindahousejpoindahouse member
    bribbon said:
    Stupid question, possibly relevant: is there a source of consistent compression on that side? Are you sleeping on that boob? Baby-wearing in a position that compresses it? If so, that can drop off the production on that side only. ETA after 9 months of sleeping on my left side, I found I kept it up after delivery too. Sleeping with my left breast against the mattress was affecting the supply on that side, so I now make a conscious effort to alternate sides when I sleep.

    Actually, that's a great question. I DO sleep on that side. Hmmm....maybe I will try sleeping on my right side tonight
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