expressing: good boob/bad boob

[amyw]

so i can get a whole bottle from one boob while only 10% or so from the other (either dual pumping or one at a time.)

i've done lots of googling but can't work out how to improve the bad boob's output.

any tips? or is this just one of those things?

its not a disaster as i can express a whole feed from the good boob its just a bit annoying as bad boob is basically shirking its duty and having time off while good boob does all the work. and it would be good to get the most out of any time spent chained to the milking machine!

[Saffron]

Some women have a "dominant" breast. It's normal.

You can try the MotherLove brand b/fing supplements (I ordered online, not sure where to buy locally). They have herbs which support the milk letdown reflex, like fenugreek, blessed thistle, goats rue etc, which are safe for b/fing of course.

I also found acupuncture to be helpful for milk yield. Try Giles Davies (Barry Road practice: 07739 414 210).

Although, you may just find that even if your yield/letdown are increased overall, you still don't have a 50/50% split. Annoying, I know, I had this too! xx

[Pickle]

Have you tried pumping the "bad" side while feeding baby from the "good" side? I used to do this (takes a bit of practice to get the juggling act mastered!) and found I got a lot more milk much faster doing it this way.

[amyw]

i suppose everyone has a dominant hand, eye, etc so it makes sense that would extend to boobs too!

thanks for tips i will try them. looking forward to juggling baby and pump! ha ha.

[jennyh]

Hey

I had this same problem and hired all sorts of extreme hospital grade pumps with no joy, just lots of pain. Then I noticed a small lump in one side, I went to the doctor and they referred me for an ultrasound, long story but after a few visits, biopsies and ultrasounds they discovered huge numbers of cysts in both breasts, I was literally getting no milk at this point. They said it was all hormonal and sure enough they went away in the next few months. As a result I did stop expressing and wasnt able to breastfeed which was very upsetting. Im sure the same isnt true of you but just thought I would share my experience of having one (and then two) dry boobs! Hope that it gets easier and improves soon!

[nsm]

I had exactly the same thing, have had no problems breastfeeding, my baby took well to both boobs, but when it came to expressing I could express very well from one but hardly at all from the other. It's strange as supply was not a problem on the 'weaker' boob, just no luck expressing. I just used the stronger one and froze stuff in advance. Good luck.?