Seeking Advice About Breast Feeding

S.:

One breast ALWAYS makes more milk than the other. SO what you are expereiceing may be totally normal. If you are concerend I would suggest talking to a Board Certified Lactation Consultant so that you two can discuss in more detail what has happened and what is happening.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres., Lactation Support Group, Inc.
800 LACTATE/ ###-###-####

This sounds perfectly normal to me. I always used to get the tingling - it is the letdown reflex - your body getting ready for the next feeding. I've been nursing for 11 months now and it does subside as your little one grows and breast feeds less frequently. And one side being more full than the other sounds quite normal too and again that may settle down. Or it may remain the same. Either way, it sounds like you are doing a great job. DOn't worry, you're both doing wonderfully. If you are worried you could call your Dr. or contact your local La Leche League - they have been really helpful to friends who have had concerns or difficulties with nursing. You can Google them.

R.

That all sounds normal and familiar to me as I have been breastfeeding for almost 9 months now and have those same experiences. But I would check with your dr. during your next visit (your dr. - not the pediatrician) just to make sure. But I would encourage you to keep up the great work as there are so many advantages to your baby with breastfeeding. Don't get discouraged!

My girls are older now so it's hard to remember but I do distinctly remember one side filling up much faster and when that happened I'd always nurse on that side first. But then the lactation consultant suggested actually having my daughter nurse on the other side first so she would promote getting that side going evenly more, even if it was only for a few minutes before I switched to the fuller side.

Do you have a lactation consultant from the hospital? Usually they'll make a free home visit after the baby is born to talk about these kinds of things so you'll feel comfortable and help walk you through it.

I do think the tingling is VERY normal too.

Warmly-
A.
http://www.funontheark.com

I also have 3 beautiful girls and am expecting in 4 weeks. I nursed all my girls for 13 monthes and everything you are describing is totally normal. If your one side is uncomfortable be sure you are taking turns on each side on which is first. My right always was more full than my left and the tingeling is normal. When you have been doing it for a while it will diminish a little. Good luck and enjoy your daughters

Sounds totally normal to me. When my lil one was nursing I always knew when it was getting close to a feeding time because my nipples would tingle. That is your milk letting down and prepairing for a feeding. You get used to that!! It sounds like your baby may be nursing more off one side than the other that is also normal. I would try to feed him off the less full one first for a week or so to see if it catches up. Than what ever milk you have left in the other maybe pump and store. My right breast actually totally dried up when my son was 6 months. He continued to feed soley off my left breast till he was 16 months at which time he just weaned himself. Hang in there it is such a wonderful thing!! I miss it so much!
M.

Hi! I breastfed both my kids, and this happened to me with both of them. As the babes get older they become more efficient at taking your milk, and sometimes will prefer one breast to the other (or you will be more comfortable feeding them on one side more than the other), so will drain it more completely than the other. In return, one breast can be better at producing, so will just fill more. The tingling sensation your feeling, unless painful, is most likely just your let down of milk. I wouldn't worry! H.

All very normal! Most women have one breast that is a bit more milky (tend to correspond with the breast that is slighty bigger to begin with) If you think your supply is low on the other side just try to nurse there a little more and it should even out. Just be sure to express some milk on the fuller breast so you don't get engorged. The tingling is normal too, you may actually be "letting", or your body's just signaling it's time for a feeding. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is a wonderful resource for any questions or concerns. I'd recommend buying a copy but your library and local La Leche League should have copies on loan as well. Good luck and happy nursing!
A.

Sounds normal. I too have had a rough breastfeeding time so I know how easy it is to doubt yourself. Just hang in there. As you watch your baby grow you will know she is getting just what she needs.

I would also recommend La Leche League. They are wonderful for information and support. Also the website www.kellymom.com has tons of great breastfeeding info. Good luck to you!

You have already gotten all the best advice--all I can add is I REALLY recomend "The Nursing Mother's Companion" I got it when my daughter was 5 months old, and I wished I bought it in that first month!! This is my first daughter, she's still breastfeeding at 8 mos., and I went through the sore nipples, plugged ducts, engorgement pain, and later, low milk supply--but never regretted it. That book helps a lot. That and a really good pump. Congrats on breastfeeding! It's hard, but worth it. And one thing nobody tells you- if you have to give formula for some reason, you don't have to quit breastfeeding altogether. Even some breastmilk is beneficial. I was on medication and couldn't breastfeed for a week, so I had to pump and dump, but she went right back to nursing. Keep it up!

Both things you described are totally normal. As far as the one breast filling more than the other, start with the less full one to be sure you empty it and then switch to the other. This may help...but if it doesn't there is nothing to worry about. The tingling you are feeling is "let down" and it is normal.

Hi S.,
I dont think you have anything to be concerned about. I'm currently 3 months into breastfeeding - everything is going great - and definitely have one breast that produces much more than the other. You can encourage your non-producing breast be feeding your baby on that side first - they suck more vigorously on the first side they get, which will stimulate more milk production. Once you get as even as you want to be (mine never really got symmetrical, but as long as you're comfortable) you should alternate sides that you start her on each feeding. If you're not currently doing that, that may be the source if your problem.

On a related note, at sone point, if not already, she'll have a growth spurt and you may feel like you don't have enough milk for her. Just keep alternating breasts that you feed her with (you may feel like that's all you're doing for a couple days) and your milk supply will catch up with her appitite in about 2 days. Trust your body - it knows what to do. If you instead give her a bottle after breastfeeding her your milk supply will never increase and you'll wonder why you don't have enough....

Sounds like you're doing great! Good luck and keep it up! Breastfeeding is a wonderful wonderful experience!

K.

Hi. It sounds like you've already gotten a lot of good advice, but I just wanted to add that when I had questions/concerns about nursing my son I called the lactation consultant at the hospital I delivered at. They were really nice and very helpful, so you could always try that. But your concerns seem very normal to me. One of my breasts always felt more full and I always had that tingling when my milk let down. Good luck!

Hooray for breastfeeding S.! I am sure you are doing a great job!! The tingly feeling you are describing is called the "let down". It is perfectly normal. Make sure you are feeding your baby on demand - whenever you think he might be hungry. You cannot over nurse a baby. Every two hours is a bit of a stretch for a tiny baby. Some nurse as often as every 20 minutes! Also, make sure that you switch sides each time you nurse. If you nurse on the left one time then the next time baby nurses start with the right side. Most women only nurse one side at a time. If you do not nurse long enough on one side your baby will not get enough of the calorie rich hind milk. Breast milk is so awsome - it actually changes consistancy throughout a feeding!! Have you been to a La Leche League meeting? I highly recommend it just to be around other nursing mamas. Also, the book by LLL, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is a GREAT read and will answer all of your questions. I hope all goes well!!
I have three children - ages 5 1/2, 3 and 14 months and have been nursing continuously for the past 5 1/2 years :)I can talk alll day long about breastfeeing but will stop there. Feel free to email me if you would like more advice or support.
M. Flores

Hi,

I am the mom of a six month old boy, and I have breastfed him exclusively for the last six months. He's never had any formula, though we had our breastfeeding troubles in the beginning, including those things you mentioned.

If you have one breast that feels more full than the other, that means you are nursing more on one side than the other. You have to nurse on both sides evenly (for around the same amount of time and for the same number of times) in order to avoid that problem. Sometimes it's a simple as switching sides for every feeding, but you have to take into account when the baby only nurses for a few minutes on one side and for 15, 20, or 30 minutes on the other and make adjustments.

To fix the problem, start nursing more on the side that seems LESS full. That will stimulate that breast to make more milk and cut down on the amount of milk the other breast makes. Your milk production will eventually even out (in a day or two or three). So, nurse twice in a row on the emptier breast and then nurse on the fuller breast once. Stick with that pattern until you even out, and then go to nursing evenly on both sides.

As for the tingling in your nipples near your daughter's feeding time, that's your let-down reflex. In order for the baby to get milk from your breasts, your milk ducts have to get a signal to release the milk. Usually that's caused by the baby's first fews sucks, but sometimes it's stimulated by a regular feeding time, the baby's cry, or even the thought of the baby or her picture. So, take that tingling just as you did - as a sign that it's time to nurse.

I'm an avid supporter of breastfeeding and the bond that it develops between mother and child as well as the boosts in health and immunity, learning and intellectual stimulation, and cost savings! Although sometimes it's a little difficult, I think it's always worth it to stick with breastfeeding because the benefits always outweigh the difficulties. Keep at it, and you'll be successful!

L.

one of the things I found helped equalise my breasts was to cut down on my water consumption (I was drinking lots - a large sports bottle each time I fed my baby - so I could help my milk increase and forgot to decrease it)Its still very important to drink some, just check to see how much you are taking on board.
feeding twice or always feeding from the slow one then topping him off with the other one (and pumping it every second time) has got them pretty close. I'm not too worried that one is a little (one or two ounces more) as its useful if he's very hungry.
All the other things are normal, sometimes just thinking about my baby causes let down(the tingling feeling) and it can be quite painful at times.

Find yourself a local chapter of La Leche League (LLL) for great support! I can't imagine what I would have done without having other nursing moms to watch me nurse and make sure my latch was correct and to give me support and guidance. It will make all the difference in your self-confidence!
I, too, had one breast that was always fullest. When my daughter was VERY young, she would prefer the one that was not so full, because it was easier to latch onto. I realized that if I pumped just a little it made it easier for her to latch. This will decrease over time.
Since she did prefer one "nursie" to the other, I eventually only nursed her on one breast... but this was after months of nursing and my supply was much lower than for a newborn.
Check the internet for how to only nurse on one breast and you should find lots of info... you want to be careful because infections can REALLLLLY hurt!
There are plenty of great books available to, and you should be able to find them at your library.... my favorite that I purchased is called, "Bon Appe'tit Baby!" It is a tabbed notebook with a clock you can color in with sleeping hours, waking hours, eating times, diaper changes, etc. as well as diet info for YOU to ensure that you are eating the right things for your supply/energy and drinking enough water.
I found it INCREDIBLY helpful!
Hope this helps!
I nursed my daughter until she self-weaned at 3.5 yrs, so if I can answer any questions, or you just want to talk/vent, feel free to email me at ____@____.com
-Amanda

S., Congratulations on the new baby! The full on one side and not so full on the other side is pretty normal. The tingling you are feeling is referred to as the "let down" reflex. Your body "knows" that it's time to nurse. Look up a La Leche League group in your area. They are very supportive and helpful, and it is a good way to meet other moms. Good for your and your baby!!! Keep nursing!

Hi S.,

I am by no means an expert on nursing but everything you described has been a norm for me. I too feel that tingling & tightening (let down - that's when I would pump; if that's what you are going to do). With all 3 of my children I have 1 breast that was more of a "producer" than the others. Also, I don't know where you delivered but Good Shepherd in Barrington has a breast feeding support group, if you are interested. For me it's too much work with 3 kids.

I too am a sahm with 3 children: 1 boy - 3 1/2yrs, 2 girls - 2yr & 4 days.

Congrats on the new baby!
C.

Hi S.

I think it is great that you are giving breastfeeding another chance. I have a fifteen month old daughter and I nursed her until 13 months. The tingling you feel in your nipples is very normal. Sometimes I even felt that if I was out and another baby was crying. Your one breast may be producing more milk than the other. Try to make sure you alternate sides, starting with the opposite at each feeding. Have your baby empty the one side before you latch her to the next side. Sometimes I would pump (the last side she ate off of)after a feeding if she didn't nurse well from both sides. A great book for reference is "Nursing Mother's Companion." It helps to answer some basic questions. Good luck with continued success.

Jen

Hello! I had this exact same problem with both of my children. My doctor adviced me to encourage the baby to breastfeed off the weaker side more and to stimulate the milk production on the weaker side with a hot towel. That work for me for a while, but eventually the milk production became less and less and the babies would'nt want to feed from the weak side at. I tried the electric pump and that help the production, but I was only able to get about 2 oz at a time on the weak side. Well maybe try the warm steamy towel see if it helps you!
M.

I am in the 8th month of successfully nursing my second daughter.

My right side also fills more quickly than the left. If I pump the left nevers gets out as much as the right. To try and off set this, I always start her on the left when she is the most enthusiastic about eating. I then save the right, which she favors for the end. she eats about 3-5 min. on left then switches 3-5 min to the right.

The tingling feeling is probably your milk letting down. Mione feels like a terrible nipple hard on--sorry for being so frank.

It has only been a month, stick with it!!! It has taken me at least a month with both girls to get things set. I have nursed them both exclusively and man is it convienent. I nursed our oldest for the first year and plan on doing the same for our second. There are days that I wish I could stop, especially when teeth are involved, but I think heck it is only a year, about 3 more months to go, I can make it for my baby.

Good luck. I couple of my friends had luck with a lactation specialist, your local hospital should have one or contact the lalacha league (spelling?)

Oh, and be sure to pump and introduce a bottle. We waited with our first and then she never would take a bottle. Made for a rough year, not being able to leave her for very long. Try not to introduce formula, it is sweeter than breastmilk, I heard, and baby may not want to go back. Also use the slowest nipple, if bottle is too easy, easier than getting it out of you, they may not the breast.

Ok enough rambling
K.

Here is a great nursing website - kellymom.com. They are affliated with La Leche.

All of it is normal!

The tingling is the "let down."

You can also call the local hospital and talk to a lactation consultant. Most will speak to you via the phone for free.

Congrats on the baby and sticking to the breastfeeding. What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. The tingling is just a "let down" reflex, which basically means that your breasts are filling up with milk. It usually happens around the time your child needs to nurse, or right after they start sucking. I recommend that you refer to these two websites which are EXCELLENT resources on breastfeeding:

www.aap.org -- this is for the American Academy of Pediatrics
www.lalecheleague.org -- La Leche League International

The tingling is totally normal, try nursing on the side that makes less first, and then the other breast. You probably are nursing on the fuller side more and as a result that breast is producing more milk. I did the same thing, my left breast was always fuller than the right, so I just focused on the right for a few days and they finally evened out. Good Luck, and stick with it, so many people give up at the stage your in and I hate to see it, so keep up the good work and it will all work itself out!!!

Hi S.,

I breastfeed my 6 month old and I too have the same thing. My right breast has always never seemed to produce as much as the left. I've tried nursing more in that side to stimulate and it works for a while. And I, too, get the tingling nipples. I think all of this is normal. It's been 6 months and my baby boy is growing and very healthy and active, so I guess everything is going good! If you're really worried, call the lactation consultants at your hospital, they are excellant resources and support. Good luck.

S.

Hi, S.! These things are normal! Isn't it cool that your body knows when your baby will be eating soon? To relieve some of the imbalance you are experiencing, try to start each feeding on the opposite breast. Babies are hungrier when they first start eating(of course) and so they will increase milk production on the breast you start with. So if you alternante it should balance itself out. You are doing great. Stick with it and keep up the good work!
Gretchen

first, congrats on the baby and for breastfeeding! it's a lot of work sometimes, but it's definately worth it! i've been breastfeeding for 6 months total now. fortunately, owen is a good nurser, but even if he wasn't, i'd still probably do it!!
so onto your questions!
it is really normal for your breasts to be different sizes while you're breast feeding. maybe the one side that feels like it fills faster is the side that your baby is more efficiant nursing on. sometimes babies prefer one side over the other, and that will make them lopsided. don't worry. it's completely normal! do you nurse your baby only one side at a time? or do you offer both breasts? they suggest offering both breasts, but i've always just offered owen one at each feeding. i guess it made more sense to me to do that. plus, i wanted to make sure he got that fatty hind milk at every feeding.
the tingling that you are feeling is called "letting down". it's your body letting the milk down out of the milk ducts. your body sounds like it's got it's own internal timer, and you're letting down when you feel like your baby should be eating. i have that happen while i'm at work, and i know it's time to go pump. so, just wear those breast pads, and you'll be great.
you'll get engorged periodically until you have been doing it about 4 months, and then it's like your body will figure it out, and you'll make the perfect amount for your baby. when they grow and need more, they'll let your body know, and you'll make more. it's amazing what a perfect system it is. no making up bottles (unless you want to), their diapers smell less, less trips to the doctor's office, and you get that bonus of having your baby fat sucked off really fast! hahaha.
don't worry, you are doing just great! you've already gotten past the hardest part. the first 2 or 3 weeks are the toughest! but sounds like you're getting settled into a routine if your boobies are responding that way!

if you ever have any questions, or just need some support, you can always email me. i had a couple people that i was able to email to ask questions to and it was a BIG help!
so please, pick my brain! hahaha

____@____.com

M.

Hi S.,

You've gotten great advice. I just want to congratulate you on sticking with it. Breast feeding isn't right for everyone, but I found it to be an amazing experience and plan to do the same with my second due in March. I completely remember panicing with my first and thinking one breast was better supplied than the other. I also had periods of my milk supply seeming to lag between growth spurts. When that happened I would pump each breast for 15 min to 1/2 hour in between feedings which eventually produced more milk. I got that advice from my lactation nurse and it worked. A lot of extra work for a week or so but it paid off. Just a heads up in case you run in to the same situation.

Hi S.,
I am a labor doula and I have helped many moms breastfeed and also I breastfed my own kids. I have 3. My first one, I bf her till she was 5 months because I thought my milk went away, but I did not know then what I know now, and also with my second I only did her for about 2 months for the same reason. With Erik, I bfed him till he was 14 months and exclusively too. It is normal for one breast to feel more full then the other, and the side that is more full might just be the preferred side of your little one, so the baby may nurse more actively on that side. It happens. Also, with the tingling in the nipple area, completely normal. My nipples would do this too with Erik, more then they did with the girls. And, if anything rubbed against them, or I was thinking about Erik it would happen too. It usually did not happen much after he was about 4 or 5 months. So, it is really normal for you to feel this, especially during the times i mentioned above or also when it is time or getting close to the time for feeding.

I hope this helps!

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com