Why milk is produced unevenly
If we do not take into account reasons such as surgery orstructural features, then we can talk about insufficient stimulation of the mammary gland. Sometimes the treatment of mastitis or lactostasis plays a role - blockage of the milk duct.
There may be less milk in one breast if the mother feeds in a comfortable position Photo: Getty Poor breast stimulation is associated with the mother's mistakes when feeding the baby, for example:
- A woman does not give a baby a breast with a flat nipple.
- Mom chooses the habitual pose for feeding.
- A young mother carries a baby in a sling with a comfortable hand.
All this contributes to the development"comfortable" breast. The baby actively participates in this process. He quickly understands that food flows from one breast, and he has to "fight" with the other. The baby follows the path of least resistance and demands a "comfortable" breast from his mother. He begins to be capricious, showing his displeasure, and the mother gives in.
What to do to make milk "flow evenly"
When starting feeding, it is necessary to establishequality between the two nipples. No matter how comfortable it is for you, try to alternate breasts. Mark on the chart or remember the order of milk supply. Expression should also be uniform - the same amount of milk from both breasts.
How to return the violated equality
If one breast "failed" and the baby does not want to help mom, you will have to choose the path of deception. The task is to develop the "wrong" mammary gland. There are several ways:
- Assign "priority" to the less milky breast. Start feeding with it, giving the "larger" breast every other time.
- For longer periods of feeding, provide the baby with only the "undeveloped" nipple. This can be done at night, when the baby is almost completely unconscious.
- If the nipple has an irregular shape, learn how to properly give it. Consult with a feeding specialist or doctor. Direct the energy on teaching the baby to take the nipple correctly.
- Be patient if your baby refuses the "uncomfortable" breast. Offer it several times, otherwise you will have to express milk yourself.
Time spent on accustoming the baby to"poor" breast, will be rewarded. As soon as the precious vessel is full enough, the baby will gladly help you in developing the "weak" breast. The main reason for the different amount of milk in the left and right breast is their uneven development. Daily work with the breast problem can give a good result.
