The Preferred Breast

When I was nursing my first son, Chris, I noticed he preferred the left breast over the right. I assumed it was because my right nipple was slightly flat, but I didn't notice any latch-on problems when he did take the right side. Baffled, I assumed it was impossible to nourish my son on mainly one breast alone. I began supplementing with formula at two months, and he quickly weaned from breastfeeding altogether during the following weeks.

What I didn't know was that one-sided nursing is not generally a cause for concern. A mother can make enough milk in one breast to nourish her child. Still, there are reasons why a child might prefer one breast to another, and there are ways to help that child develop a liking for the less preferred breast.

The first, and most common reason for a baby to prefer one breast over another (especially if this is a sudden change) is an illness or infection. An ear infection in one ear might make it uncomfortable for a baby to nurse at both breasts. Thrush (a yeast infection of the breast and mouth) might also cause this preference. If your baby has suddenly stopped nursing from one side, it might be wise to rule out an infection or illness.

If baby has been gradually leaning towards one breast, a supply issue might be to blame. Some babies will prefer the breast that has a more abundant supply. The more the baby nurses from that side, the more that breast will produce. This, of course, encourages his preference. To remedy this, try expressing the less-preferred breast at each nursing to help build up the supply. Once you have expressed for a few days (either manually or with the help of a pump), try expressing some milk out of the preferred breast before each feeding. Reducing the amount in the preferred breast (or allowing a let-down to occur) before baby nurses might help him take the other breast more readily.

Some babies, on the other hand, prefer the breast that does not have the strongest let-down or fullest supply. These babies may enjoy a more "peaceful" nursing session, where the milk is easier to manage. In this case, try expressing a little milk from the less-preferred breast (the breast with a higher supply or stronger let-down) in order to create a more relaxing nursing session for baby.

If baby just seems more comfortable on one side, it could be because this is the side you prefer as well. Perhaps holding baby in your more dominant arm makes you both feel more secure or relaxed. In this case, you might try switching your baby to the other breast by using the football hold (holding your baby's head in your hand and resting his body along your arm while "tucking" baby to your side) or by using a side-laying position (laying down with baby chest-to-chest with you).

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic