Why is my milk supply suddenly dropping on one side?

Understanding a Sudden Drop in Milk Supply on One Side
Experiencing a sudden drop in milk supply, particularly on one side, can be concerning for breastfeeding mothers. This phenomenon can stem from a variety of factors, both physiological and situational, and understanding these can help address the issue effectively.
Physiological Factors
One of the primary reasons for a decrease in milk supply on one side may relate to how well the baby is breastfeeding. If the baby is not latching properly or is favoring one breast over the other, it can lead to reduced stimulation and, consequently, lower milk production on that side. This is particularly common in younger infants who are still mastering the breastfeeding technique.
Additionally, hormonal changes can play a significant role. After the initial postpartum period, many mothers experience fluctuations in hormone levels that can affect milk production. For instance, around three to four months postpartum, some women notice a natural decrease in milk supply due to hormonal adjustments, which can also manifest as uneven supply between breasts.
Situational Factors
Situational changes can also contribute to a sudden drop in milk supply. For instance, if a mother returns to work or spends extended periods away from her baby, the frequency of breastfeeding or pumping may decrease. This reduction in stimulation can lead to a drop in milk production, particularly on the side that is less frequently used.
Stress is another critical factor that can impact milk supply. High levels of stress, whether from personal circumstances or the demands of caring for a newborn, can elevate cortisol levels, which are known to inhibit milk production.
What to Do About It
If you find yourself facing this issue, there are several strategies you can employ to help restore balance to your milk supply. First, ensure that your baby is latching well and effectively emptying both breasts during feedings. If you’re unsure about the latch, seeking support from a lactation consultant can be beneficial.
Increasing the frequency of breastfeeding or pumping sessions can also help stimulate production on the affected side. If one breast is being neglected, try to prioritize it during feedings or pump more frequently to encourage milk flow.
Lastly, managing stress through relaxation techniques, adequate rest, and support from family and friends can also help improve your overall milk supply. Remember, fluctuations in milk supply are common, and with the right approach, you can often restore balance.

Can you increase milk supply after it dips?

The only thing you can do to increase your supply or keep your supply up is drink plenty of water and breastfeed or pump consistently and frequently.

How to increase milk supply after sudden drop?

Instead of overdoing your breast pumping with techniques like “power pumping,” it’s better for your breasts and your mental health to pump for 10-15 mins every 2-3 hours and give baby bottle of pumped milk or formula.

How do you fix low milk supply in one breast?

Sometimes, a change in position can make a significant difference. Pump the Less Preferred Breast: Pump the less preferred breast to stimulate milk production and relieve engorgement. This can also help increase the milk supply in that breast.

Why is my milk supply suddenly decreasing on one side?

Causes of an uneven milk supply
One breast has a faster or slower let-down. Differently-shaped nipples on each side. Mom’s preference for holding her baby in a particular way. Baby may also be more comfortable, or have a better hold on one side versus the other.

Why is one of my breasts suddenly not producing milk?

No person is perfectly symmetrical, so it’s no surprise that many breastfeeding moms find they have an uneven milk supply or less milk production in one breast than the other. It’s very common to find that one breast produces less milk, and if you and your baby are comfortable, there’s no reason to try to change it.

Can milk dry up in one breast only?

The milk supply in each breast responds separately to the stimulation from your baby, so if you feed more on one side, that breast will make more milk. If less milk is taken from the other side, it will gradually make less.

What is the 7 week breastfeeding crisis?

The second breastfeeding crisis comes between 6-7 weeks of your baby’s life. Again mothers may feel anxious about their baby’s behavior, and the comments from surrounding people do not help: your baby refuses the breast, it seems that she doesn’t want to nurse, maybe you don’t have enough milk…

What causes breast milk to suddenly decrease?

Milk production may also decrease if you nurse or pump less often than you did before, get sick, are stressed, or get pregnant again. If low milk production seems to be a problem, but your baby seems to be sucking effectively talk with your healthcare provider or certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

As you may have read in my other blog about a baby’s breastfeeding crisis, a breastfeeding crisis, sometimes called a growth spurt, is a common phrase used to describe a phase where mothers may encounter significant breastfeeding challenges, typically related to an increase in milk demand from the baby.