[BabyBird]

OK so is it possible to produce more milk on one side than the other? My left side usually seems to fill up and become engorged quicker than the right and since I alternate sides each feeding I end up wanting to go to the left each time. I just BF on the right because the last feeding was on the left but I feel like leftie (yes I call them leftie and rightie! LOL) needs to be pumped but I am afraid if she wakes up soon I will have nothing left because she didn't take much this time...think she was just pacifying. Still trying to figure that one out...thanks Courtney!

So I am sitting her trying to decide if I should pump leftie or stay engorged until she is ready again (probably at least an hour maybe 2) so that it doesn't get encouraged to produce that much that quickly...

[courtneytcu98]

I call my girls Left Boob and Right Boob. . . and poor Right Boob has always been lagging behind. Poor Right Boob. I followed the same pattern that you described. It was the same for output even when I pumped. I think that Right Boob has slower let down, not necessarily less milk, if that makes sense. I know your computer time is super-limited right now, but kellymom :: Breastfeeding and Parenting is a WONDERFUL resource. Keep up the good work, momma~

[BabyBird]

Thanks Courtney...I did end up pumping leftie...I couldn't take it anymore! I feel much better now. I just hope Haylea sleeps a little longer because now I don't have much! LOL

Should I pump rightie more to help it catch up? I don't mind pumping extra because I want some freezer supply built up but don't want to over do it.

BF is so confusing! LOL
I bookmarked that website...I have that and the LLLI website bookmarked to read when I have a chance...right now it is off to bed!

[KCMomma]

My leftie has always produced more than rightie...still to this day! If she only feeds on one side, then pump the other and start to freeze it...I strongly suggest freezing as much as possible. I so thought I had a huge amount and now I'm realizing it's not that much after all. Also, when I had help at home, after she would feed on one side, I would pump out whatever was left and do the same for the other side. I think that totally helped my stash.

[Lauren S]

My left side always makes more too! What is it with all of our left sides? Weird!

I always try to switch which side I feed on even though the left side is always more full. I don't want to lose what the right one is capable of making right now. I also try to pump after feedings to get what's left out (hasn't happened that much lately though). I usually get a pretty good amount in the morning.

I just wanted to add that my LC said to do 10 minutes on each side and not only feed from one side. But I think I might have a bit of a unique situation because we thought I wasn't making enough. I just wanted to throw it out there though... that sometimes just feeding on one side isn't the best option.

[KCMomma]

Yeah, I was told to feed on one side until she's done and then switch sides. I was always told to never stop them (unless like Courtney said they aren't sucking to get milk but comfort). Then the next time you feed start on the side they finished to help even things out. Anyway, breastfeeding is soooo hard!

[xanada101]

yeah, the whole switching after 10min. is what got me in trouble with the whole hindmilk/foremilk imbalance.

I found Le Leche very helpful and you can even talk to someone anytime you need to.

[Jeb-O]

Your body is going to produce whatever your babies need, ladies. That means that even if you just pumped and you feel empty you'll let down again! It is all about supply and demand. My left side also produced more in the beginning. Once you have nursed for several months the production evens out a bit more assuming you and your baby are not favoring one side.

If you want a freezer stash then pump any excess milk after nursing and anytime you feel engorged or uncomfortable. You won't "run out" of milk for your LO it will just take longer to let down, but your supply will build up to feed your baby. I promise you.

[Lo_and_Behold]

I wasn't able to BF so I can't give any on how to "fix" it, but I did always produce more (or so it seemed) on my right than my left. I'd always get quite a bit more when I pumped. Even to this day, every once in a while, I'll leak a teeny tiny bit from my right side.

[Carmela]

I am the odd woman out, my rightie was and still is the better producer. I agree with Jessica ALWAYS pump out the extra or if you feel engorged. Particularly in those early months. It keeps your supply up, builds that freezer stash, and you will always make more when the baby is hungry again. I had that debate a lot those early days, but when the pain made me give in and pump, then he woke up hungry I would fill right back up every time.