Hello dr! I delivered a baby on 3 oct via c section. on 3 oct I completed 36 weeks of pregnancy. I have a query regarding that my breasts become uneven in size. The right breast looks bigger while the left breast is small. So what can I do to bring the same size of both breasts.

Question

Accepted Answer

It’s common for breastfeeding mothers to notice that their breasts can become uneven in size, especially after delivery. This happens because one breast may be producing more milk than the other, or your baby may be favoring one breast over the other during feeding. Here's what you can do to address the issue:

Causes of Uneven Breast Size:

1. Milk Production Difference: One breast may be producing more milk, leading to an uneven appearance.

2. Baby’s Feeding Preference: Babies often prefer feeding from one breast more than the other, which can cause more milk production and size difference in that breast.

3. Feeding Habits: If your baby nurses more on one side, that breast can become larger due to increased stimulation.

Steps to Balance Breast Size:

1. Offer the Smaller Breast First:

Babies tend to suck more vigorously at the beginning of a feed when they are hungrier. Start feeding on the smaller breast so it gets more stimulation and helps increase milk production.

2. Pump the Smaller Breast:

You can use a breast pump to stimulate the smaller breast after feeding sessions. This can help increase milk supply and may balance the size.

3. Switch Sides During Feeding:

Alternate breasts during feeding to ensure both sides are equally stimulated. If your baby feeds longer on one breast, make sure the other breast gets equal attention during the next feeding.

4. Massage Both Breasts:

Gentle massage of both breasts during feeding or pumping can help increase milk flow and stimulate milk production in the smaller breast.

5. Consult a Lactation Consultant:

If you're having difficulty balancing breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can provide personalized advice and techniques to help you.

When Will It Normalize?

It’s important to note that slight differences in breast size are common and might not completely go away while you are breastfeeding. However, these measures can help balance milk production and reduce the size difference.

If you are concerned about the size difference even after these measures, or if you experience any discomfort or other symptoms like lumps, it's a good idea to consult your doctor for further evaluation.