One breast stopped lactating

[ntrainer]

Help! Since Rachel started solids last week, I've been pumping every morning just to get a small amount of breast milk ready for mixing with cereal. It seems that my left breast is not functioning properly. I used to be able to easily get 3 oz. in 5 min. per side. My right side still does this, but on my left I essentially get let down (a few drops come down into the pump), and then nothing. I tried keeping the pump (Medela Pump in Style) on for 7 min. on my left side, and I did get a second let-down, but nothing to write home about.

I'm especially worried about this because Rachel has now come down with her first cold and it's particularly important that she drink plenty of fluids. Should I be trying to nurse her first on the "weak" side to stimulate it? Or will that just frustrate her? HELP!

[stillplayswithbarbies]

Definitely offer her that breast first to stimulate supply.

I don't know how the PIS works, but my PY had separate valves for each horn, so if one valve was bad, that side would not pump much. Can you try switching the horns to the opposite sides to see if that is the problem?

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
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[ntrainer]

I'm using the same horn for each breast, so that's not the problem. I'll try offering her that breast first. Poor thing, I just hope she doesn't go hungry (especially when she's sick)!

Nancy

Mom to Rachel, born 5/24/04

[sntm]

I frequently had differntial supply, particularly when pumping, particularly following nursing on that side. When I had plugs or mastitis, it would affect supply in that breast for up to a week afterwards too, if that has happened recently.

Offer that side first. It will level out over time. Don't worry too much about amounts -- there are moms who deliberately feed only on one breast, so even one can make enough.
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shannon
not-even-pregnant-yet-overachiever
trying-to-conceive :)
PREGNANT! EDD 6/9/03
mama to Jack 6/6/03
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Breastfeeding 16 months and counting