Help! One breast isn't producing milk!

Milkology Q&A

Question:

One breast isn’t producing much at all and when I try to hand express I can only get 1-2 drops. I still try to nurse on that side first but usually she unlatches in 2-3 minutes because she’s not getting much. I can see a very noticeable difference in breast size due to more milk on one side. I just want to even out a bit if possible, any tips?

What To Do When One Breast Isn’t Producing Milk

Answer:

Hi! You didn’t mention how old your baby is, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, and how your baby’s growth is. I’m going to assume your baby is getting enough milk from you and growing well. If that’s the case, then you don’t have to worry about this situation – some parents are able to feed their baby exclusively from one breast! But I understand the frustration and the desire to even things out. Nursing on that side when your baby is willing to will help. Consider offering that breast after she has gotten some of her hunger satiated from the other breast, so that she won’t be as frustrated. You might need to pump for a while to get your supply rolling on that side. It takes 3-5 days of regular pumping to increase supply, so it’s normal to only see some drips and drops at first, or even nothing at all. If you pump regularly for a few days, you should start to see more. You might need to pump several times a day to really boost your supply. Then you want to offer your baby that side more frequently, and consider gently squeezing the breast during nursing (breast compression) to keep your baby interested and to get things flowing. If you aren’t able to increase supply or your baby still won’t nurse on that side much even once supply is increased, you might consider seeing a lactation consultant, who can help you troubleshoot your milk supply in that breast and/or better understand your baby’s side preference.