Question for the pumpers...

[giraffes_buddy]

I've been out of the loop lately (the princess was born last week after a few weeks of complications), and I now have an odd question. I've rented a pump (Medela Symphony double pump), and I've been attempting to work up a good supply, but I've noticed that one breast gives up a significantly greater volume of milk than the other.

I couldn't BF my son due to medical reasons, so I'm not sure if this is normal or not. I'm getting half the quantity from one side than from the other. It just seems weird to me. Is this normal?

[freckles]

Congrats! Hope you are feeling ok.

Are you alternating which breast you are starting on? Like, start on your left breast first, then 2-3 hours later, start on your right breast? I used an old clip-on earring latched to my bra to remember which breast to start on.

Is it just me or was it cool, to say the least, to watch your milk.....spurt? Sorry, you dont have to answer that.

[Bec caV]

One breast producing more is normal. I swear my left one is under achiever :p I usually end up smooshing and squeezing to get out anything on either side in the pump, the left one, I could smoosh and squeeze until the cows come home (or is the cow me? :p ) and it doesn't help. The right side, deadly weapon!

[puddin_pops_mama]

I can't breastfeed my daughter either, also due to medical reasons. I have noticed that at times (especially at the beginning) I would get more out of one side than the other.

I do agree that switching the side you start on each time you pump (unless you're pumping both simultaneously) seems to help.

[lismom2]

Congratulations on your new loved one!

The other ladies have given you great advice :) Are you exclusively pumping or just working on supply? You may be producing enough without pumping (fwiw, I loathe to pump and look for any reason to forgo it...)
Also- here are two really good sites for bf-ing moms. They're something interesting to look at while you are nursing at the keyboard (nak).
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html
http://www.bestforbabes.org/
Hope this Helps!

[Jill_at_StorkRadio]

I have had that issue as well. I also took a few days and alternated breasts at each feeding, now the engorgement is gone the sides have mostly evened out and we are doing better. Also, it is hard b/c the baby will likely want to nurse from the fuller one but you do not want to give her/him a breast preference.

[Nina47]

Ahh I had the exact same experience...feel better knowing that others did too!! I bought a Medela pump because I was able to with a flexible spending account. I didn't even know about these plans until I switched jobs and my boss offered the fsa. These plans are actually great because you end up saving taxfree money and you can use them on other health care like seeing a dentist or doctor too. Breast pumps, nasal aspirators and overnight underpants are flex spending eligible (http://fsastore.com/Breast-Pumps-Accessories-C43.aspx) products that my friend told me about fsastore.com that sells these products online... really handy! :cool: