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Q&A: One Breast Is Fuller Than the Other, Now What?

I was pumping on one side and nursing on the other due to a cracked nipple, and now the “pumped” breast is much smaller and making less milk. Will this even out?
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profile picture of Jeanne Cygnus, IBCLC, RLC
By Jeanne Cygnus, IBCLC, RLC, Lactation Specialist
Updated March 2, 2017
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This just goes to show that a baby who is nursing well can drain your breast more effectively than any pump. Your body probably started making more milk on the one side to accommodate baby’s single-sided nursing. Yes, your boobs should naturally even out once baby is back to nursing on both sides, but you can help speed things along by letting baby start feedings on the smaller breast for a few days. Also, after feedings, you can pump the smaller breast with a good quality pump to stimulate more milk production. (Don’t worry if no milk comes out — it’s the stimulation that actually helps.)

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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