Pumping can be a very empowering experience, offering flexibility while also providing your baby with precious liquid gold. But, while pumping, you may notice something a little perplexing–one breast seems to produce more milk than the other. This leaves lots of mamas wondering if something’s wrong…
Let me be the first to say–you’re not doing anything wrong, sometimes these things just happen. Take some time to practice some positive pumping affirmations and take a breath. You got this and this post is for mamas just like you!
Introducing the "Shitty Titty and the Money Maker". Every single mother has one, and sometimes it can be as drastic as an 80/20 difference.
Remember–it’s totally normal for your breasts to look and function a little unevenly. In fact, most women’s breasts are naturally asymmetrical in size, shape, and even milk production. Just like your body, your breasts are unique, and that includes both how they look and produce milk. While it may cause you to worry, it’s usually nothing to worry about. But with that being said, if one side is consistently producing more than the other when you pump, it’s a good idea to understand why.
In this post, I’m going to break down the many reasons why one breast might produce more milk than the other when pumping. There are lots of factors at play, and knowing what could be influencing your milk supply can help you manage your pumping routine more effectively and with less stress!
Why Does One Breast Produce More Milk When Pumping?
Milk Letdown Variations
Your breasts are sisters not twins!! Each breast may function differently, and that can be very normal and common!
Every mama’s body is unique, and so is the milk letdown reflex!
Some women experience a stronger or quicker letdown on one side, which can result in more amounts of milk coming from that breast while pumping. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean anything is wrong, it’s just your body’s natural rhythm.
Natural Breast Anatomy Differences
Your breasts might have a slight difference in size, shape, or milk duct quantity, which is just another unique thing about your amazing body. One breast might have more milk ducts or glandular tissue than the other, allowing it to produce more milk. These natural variations are part of how your body works, and both breasts are doing their job, even if one produces more milk. Even previous breast surgery can affect your breast anatomy! Additionally, your 2 breasts may need to different size flanges! Getting the right size flange on each side is crucial for consistent emptying.
Pumping Frequency and Routine
Your body is incredibly responsive to demand, so if you prefer one breast over the other, it shows. If you’re pumping from one side more often, that breast will naturally adjust to produce more milk, increasing milk supply in one breast.
Over time, the more often you empty a breast, the more it’ll produce, like good old supply and demand. This can help explain why one breast might produce more milk while pumping–it’s just responding to your rhythm. Make sure you’re always working on pumping evenly!
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormones like prolactin and oxytocin are in charge of milk production, and their levels can fluctuate a lot during different stages of motherhood. This is even more true in the early postpartum period. These fluctuations can sometimes cause one breast to produce more milk than the other. It’s just a normal part of your body’s adjustment, and these fluctuations will usually balance out over time.
Blocked Ducts or Mastitis
A blocked milk duct or mastitis can affect milk flow and reduce milk production from one side. It can even make you prefer one side. If you notice that one breast is producing less milk, or if it feels sore or engorged, it might be worth checking for a blockage.
Taking time to clear the duct with warm breast compressions or a gentle massage can help restore normal milk flow and production. If you’re in severe pain or discomfort, you will want to contact your healthcare provider.
How To Fix Uneven Milk Supply
Firstly its important to know that you don't need to do this. If you are making enough milk to feed your baby, there is no need to fix an uneven milk supply. Again, its very common, and often times the methods you are using to increase one side you can just do to both if you are dealing with a supply problem.
Increase Stimulation
Increase your pumping frequency on the side that produces less milk to boost your supply. You should try to pump as normal, but add in some extra sessions specifically for your lower-producing breast. More stimulation will signal your body to produce more milk on that side.
Nurse on that side first
Start on the Shitty Titty first! Starting your nursing session on this side will have your baby stimulating, and therefore increase that supply.
Adjust Pump Settings
Optimize suction and cycle settings to help with better milk flow, especially on the side with lower supply. Experiment with different suction levels and speeds to find out what works best for you. Proper settings are a huge help in maximizing milk supply and helping to balance your production.
Hand Express
Hand expression can help fully empty your breast and increase milk flow, especially when pumping alone isn’t enough. After pumping, use hand expression to express any remaining milk from the breast producing less. Or, use it as a standalone tactic!
Hand expression can help stimulate your breast, signaling your body to produce more from that breast, boosting your overall supply.
Use Power Pumping
Use power pumping to stimulate cluster feeding and increase milk supply. You can do this by pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and repeating this process for an hour. This mimics a baby’s natural feeding pattern, stimulating increased breast milk production.
Wearable pumps can be really helpful for this so you can still go about your day without constantly having to sit to pump.
Find A Professional
If you need a little more help, reaching out to our friendly team of lactation consultants can be incredibly helpful. We offer more support than an underwire bra, and we bring you more comfort too!
Sometimes, non-judgmental and professional support can be a massive stepping-stone in your pumping journey, and we make sure our consults are an accessible option for many mamas. You can check out more about our consults HERE!
One breast producing more milk? Don’t panic, I can help!
Uneven milk supply while pumping is very common, but with the right techniques, you can restore the balance. From increasing pumping frequency to adjusting your pump settings and incorporating hand expression, small changes can make a big difference if your breast produces uneven amounts. Remember, every mom’s experience is unique, so be patient with your body.
To learn more about how pumping can improve your experience, check out the benefits of pumping breast milk blog and The Ultimate Pumping Course to get started. This course was created by mamas, for mamas, and is designed to give you expert advice and practical tips for every stage of your pumping journey. With consistency and support, you can boost your milk supply and create a successful pumping routine!
