Can a baby be breastfed with only one breast and how?

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Can a baby be breastfed with only one breast and

For various reasons, some mothers are forced to breastfeed their newborn with only one breast. And this is quite possible, in the same way that mothers of twins simultaneously breastfeed their baby on one breast. Carole Hervé, IBCLC lactation consultant gives us her advice.

Because baby prefers one breast rather than the other, because one of the two breasts is painful, because you are a mother of twins or after breast cancer… There are several reasons why mothers have to breastfeed baby d only one breast. How to do it ? Insights from Carole Hervé, IBCLC lactation consultant

Is it possible to breastfeed with only one breast?

We can perfectly consider breastfeeding with a single breast in the same way as we can breastfeed twins. Although most women breastfeed from both breasts, some have breastfed successfully even if one breast is missing, nonfunctional, underused, or surgically removed.

The process of breastfeeding from one breast is similar to breastfeeding from both breasts. Indeed, it requires glandular tissue in sufficient quantity and early and adequate stimulation of the breast. The literature even reports cases where mothers of triplets were able to breastfeed with only one breast.

“We can perfectly consider breastfeeding with a single breast in the same way as we can breastfeed twins”.

The remaining breast can produce enough milk to feed the baby, provided the mammary gland and milk ducts are intact and the breast is drained regularly. As always, to promote optimal lactation, the more the baby suckles, the more the mother’s body will be stimulated to produce milk.

Optimal breast emptying tells your body to produce more milk to meet your baby’s needs.

  • During breastfeeding, you can use breast compression to help increase milk flow.
  • While feeding your baby, form a C shape with your hand and apply pressure to your breast towards the areola. This can help eject more milk and stimulate production.
  • If necessary, in addition to feedings, you can consider expressing your milk manually or using a breast pump. Regular milk expression stimulates lactation by sending signals to your body to produce more milk.
  • Try pumping after feedings or between feedings to increase stimulation.

Thanks to Carole Hervé, IBCLC lactation consultant.

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