We are so, so blessed that we were gifted by not just one, but TWO breasts so that our babies can feed whenever they want to. Our amazing milk-producing organs have been there since day one. They are always there to keep our babies full and content. However, when certain things come in two, a comparison is inevitable. You’ll take a second look and think about if one is better than the other. That was me. I’ve thought about it a million times. Which breast produces more milk — the left side or the right side?
Join me in this blog post to see the answer to this burning question. Let’s head further down this page and tackle it together.
Slacker Boobs Are A Thing
Our breasts differ in many, many ways if you look into their physical aspects such as the size, weight, pigmentation, structure of our nipples, and so much more. But for their main purpose, they all exist to become milk suppliers for our offspring. It’s as simple as that.
Ideally, breasts should produce milk on each side right after birth and they should always have a supply for whenever our babies need to feed. But that is not the case for every nursing woman. There is a case of a “slacker boob” that is common to most moms. Milk supply is not the same on each side of the boob.
But still, this does not say if it is the left or the right boob.
Bigger Is NOT Better
Another reality to us moms is that our breasts tend to be uneven in terms of size. Sometimes we favor the bigger one more and adjust our bra size to that particular boob. Although when it comes to breastfeeding, whichever side is bigger does not mean it will produce more milk for your baby.
In an article by International Milk Genomics Consortium, it is discussed that mothers with bigger breasts do not necessarily have more milk supply. These moms that have weighted breasts also tend to be on the heavier side so their breasts were more of fat than milk supply ducts.
When you look in the mirror and notice that slightly bigger boob, do not expect it to be a bottomless milk machine.
So, Left or Right? It Depends.
A study published by the International Breastfeeding Journal found that when breasts are pumped simultaneously, they produce the same amount of milk. It stated that ‘milk ejection occurs at the same time in both breasts’ and that ‘measurement of the milk ejection response in one breast is indicative of the other’.
In another experiment, SIM or simultaneous breast expression is concluded as a ‘more efficient and efficacious method of expression, yielding milk with a higher energy content’.
Both of the studies show that our left and right breasts are even and will work better in milk production if they are given the same attention whether it is through breastfeeding, hand expression, or pumping.
When I Nursed For The First Time
What was the case for me? I just trusted my body’s signal and my baby’s preference. The first time I had to breastfeed my baby at the hospital, my left breast was heavier in particular and my baby leaned more towards that side. So I moved him towards that breast. At that time, it seemed to me that the left side was the one to produce more milk. But that was just because I offered it more to my baby. That’s why it seems to be better in terms of milk supply production.
Milk Supply Tips
To make sure your breasts produce enough milk, make sure to swap them every feeding. Offer the left side if the right side was previously fed on by your baby. This way, each side is breastfeeding on demand and you are creating a natural supply and demand process on both sides. The same level of milk will be produced on your left and right breast. Make sure to also research different ways to increase your milk supply.
Taking turns between both sides also manages to maintain the flexibility of your baby’s neck. Your child will not be accustomed to just the left side or the right side. He or she will learn to move their neck muscles accordingly each time you breastfeed.
Wrap-Up
The bottom line is: the side frequently fed on is the one to produce more milk. Left or right? It does not matter. The important thing is that this is something you should be looking into because both breasts are possible to produce more milk. Remember to breastfeed on demand on each side so that you can avoid a ‘slacker boob’. Whenever you feel that one breast just does not make enough milk after different efforts from you, call your lactation consultant so you can find out the root of the problem. Taking good care of you and your baby must be your number one priority as you are now a breastfeeding mommy.
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