When breastfeeding, the mother's breast size generally becomes unequal. Asymmetry is actually normal for humans, and most women find one breast slightly larger than the other, even before they are pregnant or breastfeeding. The difference in breast size can be subtle or very noticeable. During breastfeeding, this difference can be due to various things, such as one breast not producing as much milk as the other, but that's not a problem. Another case is that one breast is producing normally while the other is producing so high that it causes breast engorgement or even blockage of the milk ducts. If you want to try to equalize your breast size, there are several things you can do, but remember that you don't have to do anything about it if the difference doesn't bother you or your baby.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Equalizing Breasts for Breastfeeding
Step 1. Feed the baby with the smaller breast first
A baby's sucking can trigger milk production. In addition, babies tend to suck harder when they start feeding, therefore, if they suck on the smaller breast first, the milk will flow in that breast more smoothly and your breasts will be the same size.
- This solution will only be effective if one breast is producing normally while the other is producing low. If the production of one breast is excessive, you will need to express milk to avoid engorgement. Use your hands to express the milk on the overproducing breast for no more than 20 to 30 seconds.
- Another solution is to breastfeed more often with the smaller breast instead of the larger one.
Step 2. Pump the milk on the smaller breast
After the baby is fed, pump again for 10 minutes or so. In addition, you can pump only this side of the breast between feedings.
Step 3. Take your baby to the doctor
Sometimes, babies prefer one breast because it is uncomfortable to feed on the other breast. The discomfort may indicate that the baby is sick, such as an ear infection, or treatable torticollis. If you notice that your baby is always fussy when he is not feeding on a particular breast, take him to the doctor for a check-up.
Step 4. Understand that breast size differences are medically normal
That is, breasts that are different sizes do not indicate there is anything wrong with your health, unless accompanied by other symptoms. In fact, many women produce different amounts of breast milk from one breast to another, so the size of the two is different. You can even breastfeed on one breast if you have to, and the other breast will return to its pre-pregnancy size.
Method 2 of 4: Coping With Breast Swelling
Step 1. Watch for symptoms
Your breasts will get bigger after delivery. However, sometimes swelling occurs which is characterized by hard and swollen breasts due to the accumulation of milk in them. Symptoms are tender, warm breasts, or a throbbing sensation. Your nipples may also become flat or you may have a low-grade fever (below 38°C).
If left untreated, the milk ducts can become blocked, which will make the breasts unequal in size as well as being a medical problem
Step 2. Breastfeed often
One way to help with swelling is to breastfeed frequently. That is, let your baby suckle whenever he wants and for as long as he wants, usually 8 to 12 times a day. It also means you have to breastfeed every four hours. If your baby is sleeping, you have to wake him up for feedings.
Step 3. Prepare before feeding
To make breastfeeding easier, try using a warm compress beforehand. Place a warm compress on the breast for three minutes. Another option is to gently massage the breasts to express milk.
You can also gently massage the breast while the baby is still nursing
Step 4. Feed the baby with the larger breast if it is swollen
If the breast is swollen, you should try to feed the baby more often with that breast. If the production of one breast is low and the other breast is normal, you can use the smaller breast more often to stimulate milk production. However, when one swells, you should focus on the swollen breast to help remove the milk buildup that is causing the engorgement.
Swelling that occurs in only one breast, not both at the same time, is normal
Step 5. Focus on helping your baby suckle properly
If your baby is not sucking well, you may need to consult a specialist (such as a lactation consultant or doctor) to help him. Babies who cannot suck properly will not get enough milk.
One way to help your baby suckle properly is to place his head under your breast so his chin is closest to your breast. Try to keep the lower lip touching the breast at the lower border of the areola. This way, he can pull in your breast and put the nipple behind his mouth
Step 6. Pump breasts only when needed
So, if you're breastfeeding regularly (every few hours), you don't need to pump unless your breasts are firm and your baby isn't ready to feed. If you pump too often, your body will be compelled to produce more milk, which in the long run will cause swelling. In addition, the breast pump only takes about two to three minutes.
If you're back at work and need to pump, try to do it at the same time as normal breastfeeding to keep the schedule the same, and make sure you're only pumping every four hours
Step 7. Use a cold compress to relieve pain
When not breastfeeding, you can apply a cold compress to relieve the pain. Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth. You can apply the compress right before or after feeding.
Step 8. Choose the right bra
If the bra fits well, swelling can be reduced. Make sure the bra you wear is not too tight. Also, choose a bra that supports your breasts, but don't use a bra with wires. Bras that are too tight can make swelling worse due to poor blood flow.
Step 9. Know when to call your doctor
If you notice breasts hardening, especially if they are painful, you should talk to your doctor. You should also call your doctor if your baby seems to be having trouble feeding. Finally, if you have a fever higher than 38°C or your breast skin becomes red, you should also contact your doctor.
You will feel your breasts harden in the first few days of breastfeeding, which is normal. However, if your breasts suddenly harden and are accompanied by pain, contact your doctor immediately
Method 3 of 4: Overcome Blocked Breast Milk
Step 1. Watch for symptoms
When a swollen breast becomes blocked, the condition is called a blockage of the milk ducts. Basically, the milk ducts are blocked so not much milk can come out. You will notice a lump in the breast that hurts. Usually, this condition is accompanied by fever.
Generally the breast is partially blocked, not completely. However, sometimes there are skin cells that grow near the nipples that look like tiny white dots
Step 2. Use the occluded breast for breastfeeding
As with swollen breasts, you should focus more on the blocked breast. Thus, the flow of breast milk will return smoothly.
Even if your breasts are completely blocked, baby sucking can still help. If the skin cells don't come off, you can use a washcloth or even your fingernails to gently remove them
Step 3. Apply a warm compress
Use a warm compress to ease the pain. Warm compresses can also help clear blockages. Applying a warm compress before feeding can make the milk come out more profusely.
Step 4. Massage your breasts
Massaging your breasts can also help with blocked milk ducts. Start with the painful area, rubbing it towards the nipple. This movement can help relieve pain and help the flow of milk.
Step 5. Help baby suck
The sucking process is very important so that the milk flows smoothly. Therefore, if the baby is not sucking properly, the milk is not flowing profusely enough. In addition, the baby may not be full.
Step 6. Watch for symptoms of mastitis
If you have a fever (38°C or higher) or chills, you likely have mastitis, not just a blockage in your milk ducts. You may feel very unwell in addition to the symptoms you are experiencing because your milk ducts are blocked. There may be reddening of the breast skin or a burning sensation, especially when breastfeeding. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Basically, mastitis is an infection in the breast that sometimes develops after the milk ducts become blocked
Method 4 of 4: Hiding Unequal Breast Size
Step 1. Try wearing a nursing bra with extra foam
Most nursing bras come with extra foam to absorb excess milk flow. However, make sure you choose a bra that is well shaped and has foam. If you can get both, even better. Foam and shaped bras will help hide unequal breast sizes.
Step 2. Use the foam on the smaller bust
You can buy a foam bra only or choose a bra with removable foam. Do not use foam on larger breasts, but use for smaller ones. The foam will make the breast size look the same.
Step 3. Choose a bra that is the right size for larger breasts
If you have to buy a new bra because your breasts are not the same size, choose a bra that fits the larger bust. Don't put pressure on bigger breasts by buying a bra that's too small.
