BFing...is this normal?

to get more milk from one breast then the other? i pump during the day, and feed from the breast during the night. my right one seems to give 4oz at each 10 min pumping session, but the left only gives around 2-2 1/2oz. why is that? also, i thought that the pain of the "let down" would go away after a while. its only been 8 days since i gave birth, but its still very painful. i can finish pumping, and around 30 min later, i feel the let down, the heaviness, and the pain all over again. what is the average amount of milk that i should be producing at this point, and how many times should i pump daily? i usually have no schedule, i just pump when they begin leaking. any tips would be great. im getting frustrated with the pain of my breasts as well as the pain from my c-section, but im trying not to give up.

also, my nipples are soooo sore, and one is actually raw. what can i do to heal them, and continue to keep pumping/feeding without a problem?

thanks ladies

[amberd5191]

It takes a while for the pain to subside a couple of weeks with your first baby, I suggest buying Lansinoh (at target) it works so fast and you can use it and still nurse. Its sold in the bottle section at the store. About the one side giving more than the other it could be because your pumping so soon after having a baby; most people say wait at least 4-6 weeks to allow your milk supply to get on the pattern of the baby. Best wishes!

[houseofgirls]

It is normal to have more milk on one side.  I still have one side that makes more then the other.  You should probably be pumping every 2-3 hours this early on.  After your supply is well established, then you could probably go 3-4 hours.  Let down is different for everyone.  Mine happens to be pretty strong too, and I can't say that it has gotten less painful, I just have gotten used to it so it doesn't bother me anymore.  As far as nipple pain, lanolin helps, and also you might want to get those gel pads that are called soothies I think.  They helped me a lot after my first dd was born.  They are a little pricey, but worth it.  You can even put them in the fridge before using them.  It took me about 2-3 weeks for it to stop hurting, then I was used to it.  I have had 2 c-sections, and it takes about 2-3 weeks for the pain to let up, at least for me.  It has been almost 7 months now for me, and I still get a little sore from time to time.  Hope this helps!

[houseofgirls]

I also agree with amberd about waiting 4-6 weeks before pumping.  If it is possible to justs let baby nurse directly from the breast, that will help your supply big time.  But if you are needing to pump during the day for work or whatever, then as I said, every 2-3 hours this early on.  Good luck and congrats!

[dbestone]

thanks ladies, but i was totally unaware of waiting 4-6 weeks to pump. with dd 6yrs ago, she stayed in the hospital for an extra week, so pumping was the only thing i was able to do to build/keep my supply going. as for my ds now, my breasts were so engorged and he wasnt eating enough, so i used the pump to release the rest. like just now i pumped each breast for 8 min, and i got 5 oz from the right and 3 & 1/2 from the left. i think my right is producing more because thats the one he nurses from when he does nurse. for the sore nipples, im sending dh to babies r us to get the lansinoh right now. im glad to know the pain will ease soon.

[AndiJ78]

I didn't pump and it took about 7 days of constant nursing for my nipples to heal. It may take a little longer due to pumping taking the place of nursing for some feedings. But it should still go away relatively quickly.

I always had a very painful letdown with all three of my boys, but it did eventually fade a bit.

And I would agree, nurse on demand if possible if you do not need to pump. Pumping after baby is fully filled is fine to keep up the supply, but he is much better at drawing your milk out and stimulating the supply.