Has your baby suddenly seemed fussier at the breast lately, especially on one side? Is one breast producing less milk suddenly?
Don’t panic, it happens. For some reason, one of your breasts has decided to take a quick milk production break.
The good news is there are a few things you can do to get your slacker boob back on the bandwagon.
Before you throw in the towel or resign yourself to lopsidedness, try these tips to boost your milk supply and even things out. With patience and persistence, you’ll be back to smooth sailing and keeping your little one well-fed and content.
Possible Causes of Sudden Decrease in Milk Supply in One Breast
Sometimes, one breast can decrease milk production rather suddenly. What’s up with that? There are a few possible explanations.
Blocked Duct or Mastitis
If you have a plugged milk duct, inflammation in one breast, or even cracked nipples, it may affect your milk supply from that side.
Apply a warm compress, massage the area, and nurse frequently to relieve pressure and clear blockages. See your doctor immediately if you have mastitis symptoms like fever, chills, or flu-like aches.
Favoring One Side
Your baby may prefer one breast over the other and nurse more often from that side, causing an imbalance in stimulation and supply.
Offer the lesser-used breast first at each feeding to encourage your baby to nurse from both sides equally.
Stress or Fatigue
High stress or exhaustion can impact your milk supply.
Try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, limit stressful activities when possible, and get extra rest. Your supply should rebound once you’re feeling less stressed and more rested.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts or menstrual changes may lead to a temporary drop in milk supply. Your milk supply should stabilize again once your hormones level off.
Increase stimulation from your baby or pump to help boost your supply during this time.
By determining and addressing the underlying cause of your supply drop, you can take steps to correct the imbalance and keep your milk production steady in both breasts.
If your supply still does not improve or you have additional concerns, consult a lactation consultant. They can evaluate your situation and provide guidance to help get your milk supply back on track.
Tips to Boost Milk Production in the Underproducing Breast
If one breast is suddenly producing less milk, don’t panic. A few tips help boost your supply and get things evened out again.
Drink plenty of water
Staying well hydrated is key to keeping your milk supply up. Aim to drink an extra glass or two of water each time you breastfeed.
You can also keep a water bottle nearby to remember to sip throughout the day.
Nurse frequently
Nurse your baby often, especially on the underproducing side. The more you nurse, the more milk your body will produce. Try nursing every 2-3 hours. Don’t skip any feedings or shorten them.
Offer the underproducing breast first at each feeding to stimulate more milk production.
Use breast compressions
Gently massage and compress your breast during and after feedings to help stimulate milk flow and empty the breast fully. This signals your body to produce more milk.
Apply warm compresses to the breast for a few minutes before nursing.
Consider galactagogues
These are foods and herbs thought to boost milk supply, such as oatmeal, fenugreek, and milk thistle. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.
They may suggest prescription medication if natural methods aren’t working.
With frequent nursing, extra hydration, compression, and possibly galactagogues, your milk supply should increase in the underproducing breast within a few days to a week.
If you continue to have issues, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant for guidance and support. Stay patient, and remember, some fluctuation in supply is normal – you’ve got this, mama!
These are additional tips on how to produce breast milk naturally at home.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Unilateral Decrease in Milk Supply
If you notice a sudden decrease in milk supply from one breast, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor, lactation consultant, or midwife. Some potential underlying issues could require medical evaluation or treatment.
Mastitis
If one breast feels hot, swollen, or painful, you may have an infection known as mastitis. This requires antibiotics to clear up and may temporarily impact your milk supply.
See your doctor right away for an exam and prescription. Continue breastfeeding on both sides to keep your supply up.
Plugged Duct
A clogged milk duct can also lead to decreased milk removal from one breast. You may feel a hard, sore lump in the breast. Try taking a warm shower, massaging the area, and nursing frequently to unclog the duct.
Contact your doctor if you don’t notice improvement in 12-24 hours or if symptoms worsen. They may need to extract the plug manually.
Other Causes of one breast producing less milk suddenly
Hormonal changes:
Menstruation or ovulation can sometimes cause temporary changes in supply.
Improper latch or positioning:
Ensure baby has a good latch and is positioned well on the breast with less milk. The stimulation will help boost your supply.
Using a pacifier too often:
Pacifier use in between or instead of feedings can lead to a drop in milk supply from lack of nipple stimulation. Limit pacifier use.
Scheduled feedings:
If you follow a strict feeding schedule, your supply may not match your baby’s needs. Feed on demand to increase stimulation.
Suppose your decreased supply from one breast lasts more than a few days. If you develop any concerning symptoms or cannot determine an obvious cause, consult your doctor or lactation specialist for an exam and guidance.
They can check for any underlying issues and help get your milk supply back on track. Better safe than sorry—don’t hesitate to ask for help!
Conclusion
There, you will have tips on what to do if one breast suddenly produces less milk. While it can be alarming, try not to panic.
With rest, hydration, massage, and nursing on the affected side, your supply will bounce back quickly. If it continues for over a few days or you have other concerns, call your doctor.
They can check to make sure everything looks OK.
The most important thing is to keep nursing as much as possible on that side.
Your baby needs the stimulation to help boost your supply, and your breast needs to be emptied to get the milk flowing again.
Hang in there—this too shall pass. Before you know it, you’ll be back to full supply in both breasts and keeping your little one well-fed and happy. You’ve got this, mama! Keep up the good work.