Experiencing a difference in milk production between breasts is a common occurrence for many people who breastfeed. It is normal for one breast to produce less milk than the other, and this asymmetry rarely indicates an overall problem with the body’s ability to nourish a child. The fundamental principle of increasing milk supply is based on supply and demand: more frequent and thorough removal of milk signals the body to produce more. By focusing specific stimulation efforts on the lower-producing side, it is possible to encourage that breast to increase its output.
Understanding Milk Supply Asymmetry
The human body is not perfectly symmetrical, and this includes the mammary glands, which leads to natural variation in output. One breast may contain a greater density of milk-making glandular tissue than the other, resulting in a naturally higher capacity for production. This anatomical difference is often present before pregnancy and lactation begin.
Differences in the structure of the nipple and areola can also affect how effectively milk is removed by a baby or a pump. A baby may develop a preference for one breast due to a faster or slower milk flow, or simply because they find one side more comfortable to latch onto. Consistently nursing or pumping less frequently or less efficiently on one side will naturally cause that breast’s supply to decrease over time. Past injury, surgery, or nerve damage to one breast can also potentially affect the amount of milk-producing tissue or the nerves responsible for the let-down reflex.
Targeted Milk Removal Strategies
The most direct way to increase production on the lower-producing side is to maximize milk removal from that breast, signaling to the body that demand has increased significantly. You should always begin a nursing session on the lower-producing breast, as the baby is typically hungriest and nurses most vigorously at the start of a feed.
Starting with the weaker side ensures it receives the strongest and most consistent stimulation, which is crucial for establishing and increasing supply. If you are pumping, add extra sessions focused solely on the underperforming breast after the baby has finished nursing. Even a short 10 to 15-minute pump session 30 to 60 minutes after a feed serves as a powerful demand signal.
Implementing a power pumping session once a day can significantly boost the supply on the targeted side. This involves pumping for a set period, resting briefly, and then pumping again in a cycle designed to mimic cluster feeding. A common pattern is to pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, pump for 10 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, and finish with a final 10 minutes of pumping.
Using breast compression and massage during removal is an effective technique to encourage full emptying of the breast. Gently massaging the breast from the chest wall toward the nipple while nursing or pumping helps to move milk out of the ducts. Emptying the breast more completely helps to lower the level of a protein called Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL), which tells the breast to slow production when milk is present.
Systemic Support for Increased Production
While mechanical stimulation is the primary driver for increasing milk supply, the body’s overall health plays a supportive role in lactation. Maintaining adequate hydration is important for general well-being; avoiding dehydration helps ensure that all bodily processes, including milk production, function optimally. Simply drinking more water does not directly increase milk volume.
A nutrient-dense and balanced diet supports the energy demands of lactation, which require about 330 to 400 extra calories per day in the first six months. Some foods, referred to as galactagogues (like oats or certain herbs), are traditionally thought to support supply. However, scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and they should only be used as a complement to mechanical stimulation, not a substitute for frequent milk removal.
Managing stress and prioritizing rest are also beneficial factors because high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with the milk ejection reflex. The release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk let-down, is hindered by stress, making milk removal more difficult. Taking time for relaxation and ensuring sufficient sleep helps to promote a better hormonal environment for lactation, which supports the efforts being made on the lower-producing breast.