I have been trying to increase my milk in my left breast, having sone eat on that side more often and pump after. But he will start to fuss if not coming out fast enough or he just doesn't want to try at all. He will take the right breast always and that breast is always full. He never drains it all the way very often so i have to pump that one as well. Been doing this for about a week or so and no change. My right breast is starting to get sore from trying to pump it to drain it and left hardle can get 1/2 ounceoutof it. What should i do? I feel my right breast looks a little bigger and i don't want to get an infection if i let it go to long.
Help
I had that problem with both of my kids. With my son, I ended up only feeding on one breast per feeding.
I'd look it up on Jack Newman's website, but I think you need to start with the left breast and then switch to the right, and then go back to the left. I know your right is full and wants to be emptied. It will take a few days for it all to balance out.
Try to pump a bit out of the left breast first just to get the milk going. Then give the left breast to your son. Sometimes let down takes a minute so if the pump gets it going first, your son won't have to work so hard and won't get as fussy. Then he can get the left one going, and when it's done you can switch to the right. The right probably flows easier into his mouth right away, so "priming" the left breast may make him comfortable with the flow.
Thank you for the responde to my question, i'll try and see how things turn out. He is sleeping longer in the night so i had to pump my right breast, i thought it was going to burst.lol
You absolutely don't have to worry about getting an infection from not having your breast totally drained during a feeding. In fact, pumping your breast to empty after feeding is going to set up a viscious cycle - your body will always try to keep up with demand so if you drain the breast completely, your body will try to make more because it assumes you need more. Then your right breast will keep getting bigger and you will be more lopsided. We are not symmetrical and usually one breast will produce more.
Totally normal! Most of us are not completely symmetrical. Have you tried putting him on the right for a few minutes and then switching him to the left? If he's been eating for a few minutes he might not be as hungry and might be a little more patient.
It's possible you're not getting much from the left with the pump simply because the pump does not stimulate that breast very well. I had that same issue. When I pumped (and I had to pump exclusively with my youngest) I usually got twice as much from one side. I've heard that you can try different size shields and see of that makes a difference.
I don't think you have to worry about developing and infection. If you decide not to continue pumping, eventually your body will adjust and you simply won't produce as much. If you're fine with that (and don't need to have a supply on hand), you might start pumping 3 times a day instead of 4 and then after a week or so drop down to 2 pumpings a day. If you like having the supply and don't mind taking the time to do it, you could continue pumping and know that you have that on hand in case you and your husband want a date night.
Bottom line, it's really totally normal. Try not to worry about it. Sounds like your little guy is doing great!
Often, one side isn't as productive as the other. I would try to nurse him on the low side first and finish on the other. But if ultimately you can't increase the output, then get a good bra and accept being lopsided between feedings. My left was never as productive as my right. I have a friend who nursed her son for a year only on her right. The left gave up entirely. If you are worried about an infection, then talk to your OB or LC. You might also look at what to do about plugged ducts or mastitis on kellymom.com. When I had plugged ducts, I leaned over DD to nurse her. The pump didn't help. You might also try a different hold. Maybe he'll prefer a football hold on that side, or you laying on your side.
