Ask the Pros
Birth Plans
Birth Stories
Bookstore
Boy or Girl
Cesareans
Chat Room
Complications
Doulas
Educators
Episiotomy
FAQs
Feeding Baby
Fertility
Finding a Class
Health
Interactive
Labor
Message Board
Monitoring
Newborns
Postcards
Postpartum
Pregnancy
Reviews/Awards
Search
VBAC
Week by Week

Ask A Lactation Consultant

Q. I had a son about two weeks ago, I am breastfeeding him. My left breast is not producing very much at all.. (about an oz or two) The right one is doing very well.. Is this normal? What can I do?

Thank you very much.

Lisa

A.Dear Lisa,

Congratulations on your new baby! Your problem is not uncommon. Most women have one side that produces more than the other. If there are no signs of plugged ducts (redness, hardness, etc) You probably are just experiencing some normal mis matching. You could try to increase the amount you produce on the left by always starting with that side and returning to that side with each feeding for a couple of days. (Essentially feeding "3" sides per feeding). Another way to increase production on the left would be to pump that side after each feeding in an effort to "even them out". Your right side is probably making up for the difference. You could just continue nursing as you are and go on with no problems. You are still fairly early postpartum and it may just be how your body has adjusted. It usually is nothing to be concerned about. Talk with your baby's care provider when you take him in next time - just to be sure. Keep up the good work and again, congratulations!

Stephanie Ryan, RN, BSN, ICCE, IBCLC answers your breastfeeding questions.