If your baby only nurses on one side, there's no need to worry more than is necessary. It's actually pretty common for babies to prefer one breast over the other, whether it's due to comfort, milk flow, or simply personal preference. But what happens if this becomes a regular thing?
Why is My Baby Refusing One Breast?
It’s common for babies to develop a preference for one breast over the other. The reasons for this can vary, and understanding the cause can help you address the situation effectively:
- Nipple or Breast Issues. Sometimes the rejected breast may have a harder-to-latch nipple, an engorged breast, or even a difference in milk flow. A baby may find one side more challenging to latch onto, making them less inclined to nurse on that side.
- Milk Flow Preference. Babies may prefer one breast if it has a faster or more efficient milk flow. If one breast has a slower letdown or less milk production, your baby might naturally prefer the side that provides milk more easily.
- Comfort Issues. If your baby is uncomfortable due to an ear infection, a recent vaccination, or any physical discomfort related to birth injuries (like torticollis), they may avoid feeding on the side that causes them pain.
- Positioning. Sometimes, babies find certain positions more comfortable for feeding. If they associate one position with a more comfortable latch, they may refuse the other breast simply due to the difference in position or angle.
- Previous Negative Experience. If your baby had a bad experience with one side—such as a painful latch or an overfull breast—they might be reluctant to feed from that side.
What Will Happen if My Baby Only Nurses on One Side?
If your baby consistently nurses from only one side, there are a few potential outcomes to consider:
- Milk Supply Imbalance. Breast milk production is driven by demand. If your baby feeds predominantly from one breast, that side will naturally produce more milk, while the less-nursed breast may produce less. Over time, this can lead to an imbalance in milk supply, where one breast becomes overly full and the other produces less milk.
- Engorgement. The breast that isn’t being emptied regularly may become engorged—swollen, painful, and possibly at risk for developing mastitis (breast infection). Engorgement can be uncomfortable and may affect the quality of milk produced.
- Uneven Breasts. It’s common for the breast that’s used more frequently to become larger over time. If one breast is being used significantly more, you may notice a size discrepancy. While this is temporary and often resolves when breastfeeding ends, it may cause some discomfort or cosmetic concern for some mothers.
- Potential for Decreased Milk Supply in the Less-Used Breast. If the less-preferred breast isn’t being stimulated regularly, milk production can gradually decrease. This is particularly concerning if you need to rely on both breasts to ensure your baby is receiving enough milk.
What Can I Do If My Baby Only Nurses on One Side?
If your baby refuses one breast, here are a few strategies you can try to encourage them to nurse from the less-preferred side:
- Always offer the breast your baby is avoiding when they’re hungriest. Babies tend to be more willing to feed when they are very hungry or at the start of a feeding session. You could also try feeding when they are sleepy or just waking up, as they may be less fussy and more willing to latch.
- Sometimes, changing the breastfeeding position can make the less-preferred side more comfortable for your baby. For example, if they prefer a particular position like the cross-cradle hold, try adjusting to a similar position on the other side.
- Try walking around, gently rocking, or swaddling your baby to help them relax and be more likely to accept the less-preferred breast.
- Offering skin-to-skin contact before feeding can help your baby feel more relaxed and more likely to latch on both sides. This bonding time can also help stimulate milk production.
- If the issue is slow milk flow on one side, using gentle breast compressions during feeding can help speed up the flow and encourage your baby to keep nursing.
- Start feeding on the preferred side, then gently move your baby to the other side once they are already latched and feeding. This can sometimes make the transition smoother.
Should I Pump the Other Side If My Baby Only Nurses on One Side?
If your baby only nurses on one side, pumping or expressing from the other breast is a good idea to avoid issues like engorgement and to maintain milk supply because of:
- Maintain Milk Supply. If you’re nursing from just one side, your body may not receive enough stimulation to keep milk production high on the other side. Pumping or hand expressing will help signal your body to continue producing milk on the underused side.
- Prevent Engorgement. When milk accumulates in one breast and isn’t expressed regularly, it can lead to painful engorgement. Regular pumping from the other side will help relieve pressure and maintain balance between both breasts.
- Boost Milk Production. If you're concerned about a decrease in milk supply on the less-nursed side, pumping can help maintain production and ensure your baby receives enough milk.
One tool that can make this process easier is the Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow Hands-Free Breast Pump. This pump allows you to express milk conveniently and discreetly without having to be tethered to an outlet. It's portable and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for busy moms looking to maintain their milk supply while still caring for their baby.
Should I Switch Breasts During Feeding?
Switching breasts during a feeding is a common practice, but it depends on your baby’s needs and your milk supply. Many mothers offer both breasts during a single feeding session, but it’s not a strict rule. Below are some cases where you may switch breasts to breastfeed your baby:
- If your baby seems to have finished feeding from one side, you can offer the other breast. Signs that your baby is done include releasing the nipple on their own, slowing down their sucking, or falling asleep.
- If your baby is still showing hunger cues (rooting, sucking on their hands), try offering the second breast.
- If the flow of milk has slowed down on one side and your baby is frustrated, switching to the other side may help.
If your baby only prefers one breast, it’s perfectly fine to let them finish the feeding session on just that side. If your baby isn’t hungry for both breasts, there’s no need to force the switch.
How Can I Avoid Engorgement on One Side?
Engorgement occurs when the breast becomes overly full, swollen, and uncomfortable. If your baby refuses to nurse from one side, you may be at risk for engorgement. To prevent this:
- If your baby consistently refuses one side, pump or express milk from that breast regularly to relieve pressure and maintain milk production. Aim to express after every feeding, if possible, or at least once a day.
- Offer the less-preferred breast more frequently, even if your baby doesn’t seem eager to nurse from it. This will help reduce the chances of engorgement.
- Before feeding or expressing, use a warm compress or gentle massage to soften an engorged breast. You can try a breast massager or warm compress pad, like the Momcozy Breast Steam Warm Compress Pad or the Momcozy Warming and Vibration Lactation Massager, to make it easier for your baby to latch.
- After nursing or expressing, you can use a cold compress to reduce swelling and prevent further engorgement.
- Make sure your baby is latching well to avoid milk stasis and engorgement. A poor latch can prevent milk from being fully removed from the breast.
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FAQs About Baby Refusing One Breast
Will My Baby Get Enough Milk If He Only Nurses on One Side?
Yes, your baby can get enough milk from nursing on just one side, provided they are allowed to nurse long enough to fully drain that breast. Many mothers successfully breastfeed exclusively from one breast, especially if the milk supply on the preferred side is abundant. However, it's important to ensure that milk production is maintained in the non-preferred breast, which may require pumping or expressing.
What Are the Side Effects of Nursing Baby from One Side Only?
- Uneven Milk Supply. If one side is used more often than the other, it will produce more milk, while the neglected side may decrease in supply. This could lead to an imbalance.
- Engorgement. The side that isn't being used may become engorged, painful, and swollen, potentially leading to mastitis if left untreated.
- Uneven Breast Size. Over time, the breast that is used more may become larger or more "full," while the other side may appear smaller. This is a temporary change that resolves once breastfeeding ends.
Why Is My Baby Suddenly Rejecting One Breast?
- Nipple or Breast Issues. The rejected breast may be engorged, have a slower milk flow, or have a nipple that is difficult for your baby to latch onto.
- Pain or Discomfort. Your baby could be experiencing discomfort on one side, such as from an ear infection, teething, or discomfort after a vaccination or injury.
- Positioning Issues. Your baby may feel more comfortable feeding on one side due to their position and may reject the other side if it’s less familiar or more challenging to latch on to.
- Breast Preference. Babies often develop preferences for one side based on milk flow or comfort, which could be due to a difference in how the breasts are shaped, how milk is let down, or how the nipple is positioned.
If the refusal is sudden or persistent, it's important to observe for signs of infection or discomfort and consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician for advice.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, nursing from just one side isn’t usually a big deal, but it can mess with your milk supply or lead to discomfort if it goes on for too long. Try offering the other side a bit more or pump to keep things balanced. The key is not to stress—just listen to your baby and your body, and things will work itself out!
