Breastfeeding From One Side: Why This Happens & How To Overcome It

Most mothers look forward to breastfeeding their babies, and dream of it being a beautiful, life-changing experience. While it surely is that way, the beginning of that journey can be a little rocky, due to issues such as an incorrect latch, an uncomfortable position, or the preference of one nipple over the other by the baby! The latter factor can lead a mom to breastfeed only from one side.

Another influencing aspect could be the mother’s own comfort level – maybe breastfeeding from a particular side feels more comfortable. This can turn into a habit, and the baby also gets used to feeding from one side. Read on for everything you need to know about why a baby may breastfeed from one side only, and whether it is advisable.

Is One-Sided Breastfeeding Normal?

Many mothers find one-sided nursing more comfortable and convenient. This happens when you may find one position of holding your baby more comfortable than another. We are either left or right-handed, and thus we may find it easier to perform various tasks from a preferred side. Therefore, one-sided breastfeeding is very normal.

Why Mothers Breastfeed From One Breast Only?

According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, various reasons may make mothers breastfeed from one breast only, such as (1):

1. Variation or difference in the nipple

Sometimes, your baby may find one nipple easier than the other to latch onto. This could be due to the presence of a mole or some hair on the unpreferred nipple that may be bothering your baby.

2. Breast engorgement

The tightness and stiffness of one nipple may make latching on difficult for your baby and may be painful for you, too.

3. Difference in milk flow

Sometimes, the flow of breast milk in one breast can be higher than in the other, thus causing your baby to choose the one with easier and better flow.

4. Forgetting to switch over

You may simply forget to switch to the other side during feeding sessions, and the neglected breast can develop a low milk supply.

5. Milk tasting different in one breast

If you tend to feed more from one side, then the other side can have a lower supply, and thus the milk may taste different. You can use a breast pump to improve your milk supply.

6. Mastitis

In case you have mastitis in one of the breasts, the milk may taste different (because of higher sodium content), and thus your baby may refuse that breast.

7. Breast surgery

Breast surgery may affect the milk supply of that breast, and your baby may prefer the other breast for feeding.

8. Comfortable for the baby to feed from one side

Sometimes, your baby may find a more comfortable position when feeding from one breast than the other and thus would choose that one.

9. Comfortable for you to feed from one side

You may feel more comfortable feeding from one breast than the other!

10. Baby’s health conditions

Sometimes, if your baby is ill due to a stuffy nose, ear infection, or a sore inside the mouth, your baby may choose nursing on one side only.

11. Medical conditions

Due to a medical condition such as a stiff neck because of trauma during the birth, your baby may feed more from one breast.

12. Breast cancer treatment

You may prefer to feed from one breast because of surgical treatment on your other breast.

13. Darker-coloured milk in one breast

This may happen due to broken or injured capillaries and can cause a difference in the taste of the breast milk.

14. Blocked or unopened ducts

Milk supply may be low in one breast due to a blockage, and thus your baby chooses the breast with more milk supply.

What to Do if Your Baby Has a Breast Preference?

It’s possible, and normal, that your baby has a breast preference, and chooses that one to feed from, over the other. But, if your baby is less than six weeks old, it is a good idea to keep the milk supply equalised and intact in both the breasts, as the milk is produced on a supply-and-demand basis.

You may make use of a breast pump to pump out milk from the neglected breast as your baby feeds from the preferred breast. If you find that cumbersome, you may express milk after your baby has fed from the favourite side.

It is also a good idea to encourage your baby to feed from the less preferred side. But, refrain from doing so if your baby is too hungry or irritable! The best way is to let your baby begin from the preferred side, and then gradually slide him to the less preferred breast.

Will Your Breast Look Lopsided? 

Yes, your breasts can become lopsided if you are nursing only from one side. This will remain as long as the feeding continues to be from one preferred side (2)! But, once the baby is weaned, your size may go back to normal.

Why Your Baby Refuses Another Breast?

If you notice that your baby is single-sided breastfeeding and not feeding from the other breast, you need to find the reason behind it. Check if your baby has an ear infection or a stuffy nose. You may also check your milk supply, and the latching position if you have a fast or slow let-down of milk. Even the mother’s health condition, such as mastitis, may have the baby refusing to feed from the infected breast.

If the Baby Only Nurses on One Side, Will He Get Enough Milk?

Yes, your baby will get enough milk if you nurse only from one side! This happens because as your baby starts to feed more from one breast, the milk supply in that breast increases. The increased milk supply satiates the baby. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding on demand, and your baby looks content and is gaining weight, you may feed from one breast (3).

What Are the Side Effects of Nursing Baby From One Side Only?

Nursing a baby from one side only, known as “unilateral breastfeeding,” can have various implications for both the mother and the baby. While sometimes necessary or preferred, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects of one side breastfeeding like the following:

1. Breast Engorgement

Breastfeeding on one side only can lead to uneven milk production, causing engorgement in the unused breast.

2. Reduced Milk Supply

Regularly nursing from only one breast may signal to the body that less milk is needed overall, potentially leading to a decreased milk supply.

3. Breast Pain and Discomfort

Uneven milk removal can result in discomfort, pain, and even mastitis in the unused breast due to stagnant milk.

4. Developmental Asymmetry

Persistent nursing from one side may contribute to facial and musculoskeletal asymmetry in the baby.

5. Nipple Confusion

Alternating between breast and bottle feeding on one breast only may cause nipple confusion in the baby, making it challenging to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

6. Imbalance in Nutrient Intake

If the baby consistently nurses from only one side, they may not receive a balanced intake of foremilk and hindmilk, leading to potential nutritional imbalances.

How to Encourage a Baby to Nurse from Both Breasts?

You may encourage your baby to nurse from both breasts through the following ways:

• Offer the neglected or the less desired breast each time before feeding.
• Offer the less preferred breast to the baby if he is feeling sleepy.
• Massage your less preferred breast for a good milk supply.
• Refrain from force-feeding on the less desired breast, as it may cause complete aversion.
• Offer the unpreferred side after your baby has fed from the other breast, for comfort feeding.
• If the shape of the nipple is the problem, then you may use a nipple shield.
• Try different feeding positions, such as lying down.

Tips for Nursing on Your Baby on One Breast

Here are some tips to help make breastfeeding from only one breast a comfortable and successful experience for both mother and baby.

• Ensure to alternate which breast you start nursing on to stimulate milk production in both breasts.
• Offer the breast frequently, aiming for at least 8-12 nursing sessions in 24 hours to maintain milk supply.
• Encourage your baby to fully empty the breast during feedings to prevent engorgement and maintain milk production.
• Experiment with different nursing positions to find the most comfortable and effective one for both you and your baby.
• Use breast compression techniques during feeding to maximize milk flow and ensure adequate milk intake.
• Don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if you encounter any challenges or concerns.
• Keep track of your baby’s weight gain and diaper output to ensure they are getting enough milk from nursing on one breast.
• Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to support healthy milk production.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my baby seems unsatisfied after nursing from one breast?

If your baby appears unsatisfied after nursing from one breast, it’s important to assess their feeding cues and consider offering the other breast to ensure they are adequately fed. Pay attention to signs of hunger and monitor your baby’s weight gain to ensure they are receiving enough milk. If concerns persist, consulting with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can provide additional support and guidance.

2. Is it normal for one breast to produce less milk than the other?

Yes, it’s normal for one breast to produce slightly less milk than the other. However, if there is a significant difference in milk production between breasts or if one breast consistently produces little to no milk, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

3. What if I experience discomfort or pain when nursing from one breast?

Discomfort or pain when nursing from one breast could indicate issues such as nipple tenderness, engorgement, or even an infection like mastitis. It’s important to address these issues promptly by adjusting the baby’s latch, using warm compresses, and seeking advice from a healthcare provider if necessary.

Do your best to encourage your baby to feed from both breasts, but if he still refuses one breast, you can consult a doctor to find out the reason behind it.

References/Resources:

1. Feeding from one breast; Australian Breastfeeding Association; https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/feeding-one-breast

2. Lopsided breasts’ Australian Breastfeeding Association; https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/lopsided-breasts

3. Is my baby getting enough breast milk?; Australian Breastfeeding Association; https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/baby-getting-enough-breastmilk

4. Breastfeeding; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html

5. Management of breast conditions and other breastfeeding difficulties (Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148955/

6. Ing. R, Petrakis. N, Ho. J; Unilateral breast-feeding and breast cancer (The Lancet); National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/69205/; July 1977

7. Common breastfeeding problems; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/common-problems/

Also Read:

One Breast Produce more Milk
Breastfeeding with Small Breasts
Breastfeeding with Large Breasts