Getting only foremilk when pumping?

[seamonster]

On the advice of my lactation consultant I'm mostly nursing LO on my dominant side and pumping the other side, at least until we get LO's lip and tongue ties resolved. When I pump it seems I'm only getting foremilk on that side -- it's the same consistency throughout the session and is really pale and watery. At the same time if I pump the side he just fed off, the milk is thicker and more yellow. I'm pumping the watery side for 20-30 minutes with breast massage and compressions. Using the pumped milk to keep the side stimulated and use to top off LO before supplementing with formula when he gets frustrated and is super hungry.

Any ideas?

I sent my LC a note about it, but would love other input.

[aggiebug]

This seems like a great question for @amyg.

[cougarette]

I've been wondering this same thing, but I haven't noticed a different consistency from the side he just ate from. I'll keep my eye on this thread for sure.

[cougarette]

I do see a tiny layer of fat separate out. But it's usually a small sliver (maybe 2oz bottle).

[xoxolicia]

You're stealing my life! I noticed this last night when I pumped. The same thing happened this evening when I pumped. I just nursed LO on the side that's only pumping foremilk. When She pulled off, it was normal looking hindmilk left in the shield. I read that the foremilk is still full of good stuff, so it's not really anything to worry about. You'll just have to feed LO a bit sooner afterwards.

[misshart00]

This is something I have never even thought about.

[mommadozer]

Interesting!

[Deleted]

Each breast makes milk independently of the other one. we think of them as twins, but they are really totally separate milk making machines.
It's also normal for one side to produce higher amt of oz and less amt of "hindmilk", and for the other produce more creamier milk. Also at certain times of day your milk will be naturally higher in foremilk and higher oz, usually first thing in the am when supply is highest.

And the pump empties the breast less effective than a nursing baby. as baby nurses in different positions they empty milk ducts in different parts of the breast.

From a biological standpoint, if you had twins, usually one baby is smaller and a bit weaker than the other one. so maybe one breast makes more concentrated milk for a smaller baby, and the other side may produce more quantity of oz with a better mix of fore and hindmilk. eh maybe...

you can try more massage and compressions, and pump a bit longer. but otherwise it's just one of those things....