One breast producing less

I've been pumping breast milk for 3 1/2 weeks, every 2 hours for 15-20 minutes each session. Usually both breasts produce about the same, sometimes the left about 5-10mL less than the right. The last 2 pumping sessions, the left has produced half of what it usually does. I do not have any pain, redness or hardness. I'm now producing less than I usually do and I'm trying to increase my supply. The only thing I've done differently is started taking fenugreek 4 days ago, 3x/day. I use 2 different pumps, Medela Symphony and Pump in Style and this has happened while using the Pump in Style. I haven't tried giving the Symphony another go yet. Could this be a plugged duct?

 

If it doesn't hurt and there is no redness or 'knots' anywhere, I would say no, it probably is not a plugged duct. You can certainly try to stand in a hot shower & massage, but it just might be a dip in supply for a little bit. I hope it's gotten better since you have written this post! Keep us updated!

 

i know a lot of people that have one side that is more productive than the other (strange, then things that are OK to talk about once you've had kids!!!) every day at work and at night before bed i pump, and the left side give me 5 oz and the R anywhere from 1-3 consistently. i am not sure what it does while they BF, but it must be fine becuase they are satisfied. but i alternate the kids side to side each feeding to be sure. it is itsn't painful, it is probably jsut what your body does!

 

If you had a clogged milk duct, you would probably know. I had one and figured it out right away from the pain because the milk started to back up. If you have no pain right now then you probably don't have to worry about it being a clogged duct.

 

It's definitely a plugged duct. It's happened 2 more times since I first posted. I feel the milk backed up into a hard mass and I can feel the lump close to my nipple. I've tried everythig this last time and nothing is working. I've literally massaged the skin off and now my breast is sore from that too. I'm so frustrated. I'm wondering if I should go up a size with my breast shield?

 

I would say continue to use the medela symphony. Also when you are pumping trying massaging your breast. I start from the outer corner toward the nipple, and then move my thumb over a little and repeat.... (does that make sense). Almost like you would for a manual expression. This will help to stimulate and also get excess out.

Oh i notice that my right breast tends to pump about .5 oz less most of the time.

 

Do either of your twins bf? I found that only Cole (my one bf'er) was able to clear plugged ducts for me. I used to do dumb things like turn up the pump strength to unplug and completely rip my nipples - oh the cracks would hurt for days.

I also found that my plugged ducts were most often caused by the pump and not by Cole -- if the funnels were not perfectly aligned, I'd end up with problems. so I became much more concious of where I placed them.

--- I'd also use the symphony before the PIS anyday -- it's amuch better, stronger pump and mimicks bf-ing better and is faster.

Teri D