One sided feeding

I'm sorry if this is a really dumb question, but after an answer or advice!

With #2 and 3 I tried to BF. It didn't last long and I gave in to easily. This time I planning in trying to do it, but won't beat myself up if I can't.

My question is, I know when I tried last time, my kids seemed to hate my right breast, hardly any milk would come out (with hand squeezing and pumping)so I think that's why. Is it possible to only feed on one side (that being the left)?

I'm just under 16 weeks now and already can squeeze a fair bit out on the left, but not a drop on the right.

What causes only one side to 'work'?

No advice, but do you have access to a Lactation Consultant?

I found the hospital I'm birthing at to be very slack in helping to organise a LC, but I guess am outside one could be arranged myself. Or ABA might have some contact numbers

You can feed just one side, certainly.
Every breastfeeding relationship is unique, so things may be very different this time :hug: By all means you can get in touch with the ABA - 1800-686268 - for a chat. Private practice LCs are also available. You can search for them on the lcanz website (just google it).
I hope you find the support and help you need to make breastfeeding work for you this time. Good luck! And good on you for preparing yourself so well. HAve you considered doing the ABA breastfeeding education class at all? That may also be really helpful as you get ready for your baby.

You can definitely just feed from one side. My sister has been doing this with her DS due to medical reasons and he is a very healthy 9 month old.

DD1 definitely preferred one side and by the time she weaned I hadn't used the other side for months. DD2 seems to prefer the same side as her sister. I'm currently feeding from both but I do feed her more from one side than the other, and usually only one side for a feed (then try to do the other side for the next feed unless the used side still feels like there is milk). Hope that all made sense!

I just went to our breast feeding class at the hospital on the weekend and someone asked the same question, due to a disability they didn't think they would be able to hold baby on one side, the midwife said they see this more often than you would expect, for lots of different reasons and that it is fine, your body will produce what is needed still, and she suggested maybe pumping the unused side if necessary but it wasn't required... ABA would be helpful I imagine, if you can't see the LC...

My Leftie is always a bit slower to let down and doesn't produce as much, doesnt seem to matter, by about 6 months DD2 was having about 80% ffrom right and occassionally having leftie. She did well and I fed until 11.5 months and supply was not why I stopped. DD3 is now doing a similar thing. My only issue was I did feel a bit lopsided at times as right was bigger than left, especially when I was full. Interestingly enough my mum was exactly the same but it didnt alter her ability to bf myslef and my brother.

I think in my cases the slower let down causes older bubs to prefer the other side, so there is less demand, so that side produces less, bit of a circle thing happening

MadB - I will definitely be joining ABA and have had a look into the classes too. I will be hoping to get to them, just a bit closer to due date, or early 30ish weeks.

Thank you to everyone else for your replies, makes me feel better knowing it is ppossible, and that others have done the same thing. I really don't want one dodgey breast to stop a journey I've always dreamed of, from happening!

Having two breasts and only one baby means there's a bit of redundancy built in to the system :)
Good luck! Hope things goes smoothly for you this time.

My DD also prefers one side (rightie), which has always been the powerhouse with a forceful letdown. Leftie is the shy, retiring type :) she still takes it, but gets fussy quickly.

My SIL BF her second bub off one side only for months, after the other 'dried up'. He was and is a happy, well-fed little rascal.

Have heard it's very common.

Good luck, hope it goes well and I also highly recommend contacting the ABA if needed. I've called the hotline loads and the ladies are so helpful.

I've now contacted ABA, glad I did as I need to do class in February and the groups are tiny. I'm just bummed I don't have the cash right now for membership as I need that first to pay for class!!

Which class were you looking into Rosetti? Just curious... :)

My Leftie is my 'milky' boob, I've had all sorts of issues with my right - poor attachment leading to mastitis, blisters, blocked ducts, but we are still going strong. I think most people have a more productive boob :D

When I express I can get about 5 times as much from my left than my right too - DD will feed from both, but definitely feeds longer and better from my left despite me swapping her around to try to even things up. Although its not noticeable to most (except DH), I can see that my left is currently quite bigger than my right too, am a bit lopsided currently. But once I am dressed and have a bra and top on, its not noticeable to anyone else

OceanPrincess - On the site it just says Breastfeeding education.