DS will not feed off one breast

[Hunni2]

I posted recently about one breast being bigger than the other, but it's gotten much worse... DS will not feed off the smaller one breast at all now, the smaller one has shrunk to much smaller than it used to be, I was a C cup pre-pregnancy, and now I have a B size on the right and a DD-E size on the left!!

I have been expressing the smaller one and still try him on it each feed, but he just won't take it. Has anyone else had this problem? Should I keep expressing in the hope that he will change and like the smaller one again at some stage? Or should I just give up and continue to feed him off one side only? He seems content with the one breast, he is only 5mths and I intend to breast feed for some time yet, so this would make me lop-sided for ages!

[Tam-I-Am]

You can successfully breastfeed from just one breast - but I'd be interested to know why he won't take that side....if you have milk in that breast, there are a couple of possibilities that spring to mind, such as the second breast doesn't let down as quickly, or the flow is slower or something - but I also wonder about the possibility of it being uncomfortable for him to lie on the side that he won't take....have you tried breastfeeding him in a different position (ie the football hold or something) on that breast? If not, maybe try that - if he'll take it then, it might be worth a trip to a paediatric chiro or similar to see if he has a problem with the muscles or whatnot in that side of his neck...

[charlieangus]

I agree with trying a different position on the smaller breast. it may be that he doesnt like the angle. It could also be a small ear infection which makes it uncomfortalbe for him to lie on that side.

Try feeding him from that breast when he is asleep (roll-over feed), and see if he takes it then.

If it is a slower let down, you could try to express a little before trying to attach him just to get the flow started.

Good luck, I hope it all comes right soon

[Hunni2]

Thanks for your replies. I have tried the football hold which worked for a short while, and we took him to the chiro a few timew as we also wondered if it was his neck or shoulder that was unconforatble, but it didn't seem to help.

I think it must be the flow thats the problem. When watching while pumping I see that it comes out in big drops to start, then slows off to a stream/squirt from only a few ducts. Also the milk in this breast is in firm lumpy pockets (I don't know if this is normal?), where as the other one is uniform all over, even thought it gets very engorged and very firm every few days.

Charlieangus - How do I feed him while he is sleeping?? Would you mind describing the roll-over feed please? Thanks!

[charlieangus]

Well its quite easy normally. You just get them out of their bed when they havee been asleep for a little while, say 1-2 hours, and dont wake them fully if possible, just lie with them on a bed or sit quietly in a dim light room. Then just stroke there cheek or whatever you do to get them to attach normally. And they usually attach even though they are asleep.

Give it a go, and pm me if you need any further help. It also might be an idea to contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association for a little bit of advice as they probably have a lot more knowledge on this area

[Hunni2]

Well its quite easy normally. You just get them out of their bed when they havee been asleep for a little while, say 1-2 hours, and dont wake them fully if possible, just lie with them on a bed or sit quietly in a dim light room. Then just stroke there cheek or whatever you do to get them to attach normally. And they usually attach even though they are asleep.

Give it a go, and pm me if you need any further help. It also might be an idea to contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association for a little bit of advice as they probably have a lot more knowledge on this area

Thank you! I'll give it a go. I did ring the ABA this week, she recommended expressing to keep the breasts more even, but wasn't sure if he will take it eventually or not. I have a feeling he may end up only on the one side :( But, oh well, at least I've had success with one!

[Tam-I-Am]

The other thing that you could try is expressing first until your letdown happens, and then popping him on - if he's frustrated with the flow, this might help....