Help!! Left side not producing

[RachelSerena]

I am 6 weeks PP and since yesterday I noticed my left breast not producing a lot of milk (as in, I cannot express more than 1/2 oz) I also cannot feel a letdown on that side.

OTOH, the right side is constantly engorged. I pumped almost 10 oz just out of that side while nursing on the left this afternoon.

I had serious oversupply issues in the begining, as well as very overactive letdown reflex.

I had been doing block feeding to try and regulate it, and it seems like I was unconciously favoring the right side.

I have been nursing on the left side for about 5 hours now.

Does anyone have other tips I can try to get my breasts to equalize production?

[CathMac]

RachelSerena,
Have you tried feeling for a lump on the left side? Even if you don't feel a lump it's possible that you have a plugged duct.

I would start using moist heat ASAP, massage, and "combing" in a hot shower with a wide toothed comb to try and coax the lump. Lecithin is supposed to help thin it out. If you do have a lump it's really important that you act quickly before you develop an infection (mastitits).

Check Kellymom.com for more specific suggestions on how to use moist heat. Whatever you do just make sure it isn't too hot. You don't want to burn yourself.

I would also try napping and co-sleeping at night with DC on the left. If there is little coming out DC is likely to reject it if he's hungry but he may comfort nurse and nursing is critical to trying to dislodge any lump.

Good luck and keep us posted.
~Cath

[Parker'smommy]

I'm not the expert on how to get one breast to produce more, but I feel that it IS something normal. AND from what you are saying, your other breast is MORE than compensating for any lack of milk on the other breast right?!!!

I have known quite a few women who had low supply on one breast and after trying for awhile to get the other breast to produce more ( always start the feeding on the less producing breast, pump after nursing on less producing side) that they eventually just went to nursing on ONE BREAST! Think about it....moms of multiples do it! The one breast took on all of the milk production and they just nursed on one side. My girlfriend ended up doing this for 3.5 years with her ds....and he was exclusively breastfed for 9 months also- no solids or formula.

Sooo, in other words, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Yes, you might *look* a little lopsided lol, but your child can be nourished and thrive on just one breast! good luck!

[RachelSerena]

Cathmac - thank you for your concern. There is no lump on the left breat. Actually, until last night it was completely "deflated". I co-sleep, and have been using the left breast first for every feed.

parker'smommy - I thought about letting the left side dry up but the difference in breast size was a blow to my vanity :.

Last night, after a couple days of nursing on the left as much as possible, I finally got a let-down on that side. Granted, it is still producing about 1/3 of the right breast, but it is working again.

Thanks for your tips