What to Know about Having an Oversupply of Breast Milk while Breastfeeding
Posted by Stacey Stewart on October 5th, 2019
Milk production is definitely one of the hottest topics in breastfeeding! Usually the concern is low milk supply. But occasionally, the opposite is the case and women end up producing too much milk. Having an oversupply can make breastfeeding uncomfortable and cause all sorts of difficulties for both baby and mama.
The best way to know if you produce the right amount of milk is by your baby’s behaviour and their growth & output. If they’re having enough wet and dirty diapers, aren’t fussy and are growing well, then your supply perfectly meets your baby’s needs!
How do you know if you have an oversupply? (here is a list of symptoms adapted from La Leche League)
-breasts feel very full or hard most of the time
-baby struggles to maintain a deep latch during feedings
-milk sprays when your baby comes off the breast, especially at the beginning of a feeding
-baby often gulps and chokes during feedings
-baby may clamp down on the nipple while feeding
-baby may arch away from the breast, sometimes fussing or crying
-baby may fill up fast so feedings may be short
-baby may need to burp or pass gas frequently
-baby may spit up a lot of milk, frequently
-green, watery or foamy, explosive stools
-baby may gain weight rapidly, from taking in large amounts of milk - or they may have slower-than-average weight gain because they struggle to nurse effectively
-sore nipples
-frequent engorgement and plugged ducts
Before you do anything to decrease the amount of milk you’re making, have your baby evaluated by their healthcare provider to rule out any health issues that may be causing their inability to handle your milk supply (ex: reflux, tongue-tie, etc.)
It’s also important to avoid taking steps to reduce your milk supply in the first 4-6 weeks postpartum because your milk supply is still regulating. During the early weeks it’s normal, even if you have a perfect milk supply, to experience excessive leaking and for baby to struggle a bit with letdowns as your body naturally increases milk production during this time.
5 ways to deal with oversupply:
1. Avoid any extra breast stimulations or unnecessary pumping
2. Try reclined feeding positions so that the milk has to flow up the breast, rather than down. Laid back breastfeeding or the side-lying position is great to give your baby more control and set the pace.
3. Unlatch for letdowns to help your baby feed better. Relatch once the pressure subsides.
4. Try Reverse Pressure Softening (RSP) to help with engorgement. Use your fingers to soften and make the breasts more pliable without pumping which may relieve some of the pressure and help your baby latch better.
5. Avoid lactation teas and supplements
If the above doesn’t help - reach out to an IBCLC for further assistance. It’s important not to take steps that actively reduce your milk supply without the supervision of a professional because it could lead to you losing too much of your supply which could negatively impact baby’s development. A method your IBCLC may recommend is something called “Block Feeding,” where you have your baby feed only on one breast for 2-4 hours. You allow your baby to breastfeed as often as they like during that time, but always on the same side. Then you switch sides for the next 2-4 hours.
There is also always the option for mothers who produce more milk than their baby needs to donate the extra to a milk bank. That milk can make a world of difference to a baby in need! <3
