Expert: ruth kraft - 7/31/2009

Question
I have a 6-month old. I usually breastfeed on just one breast at each feeding. We started cereal and vegetables a few weeks ago and the baby is doing great. In the last week I've noticed that one breast is consistently less full than the other. At night before bed I find that I have to express the one side in order to be comfortable enough to sleep, and then by 4 am I am full and in some pain again, but only on the one side. My baby seems to be eating well on both sides. She did just get her first tooth and the fuller side has been more sore (maybe using her tooth to clamp down a little more, but not biting).
Should I be doing something to make them even? What can I do?

Thank you!


Answer
It is very common to have one side that is more effective at making milk and becomes a little bigger. so there is nothing you have to do to really make them the same size. Usually the fuller side is the one that the baby picks out as the favorite also.  The excess milk could be because she is getting other solids, the body realizes she isnt getting as much milk , even if its just a little so they have to adjust to her not taking in those couple ounces. You can pump them to feed with her rice cereal or other things, or leave it to adjust to her new schedule.

I hope that helps!