How do I reduce my oversupply of breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Experiencing an oversupply of breast milk can be a challenging situation for new mothers. While having an abundant milk supply might seem advantageous, it can lead to discomfort for the mother and feeding difficulties for the baby. Oversupply often manifests as a forceful letdown, causing the baby to struggle with feeding, leading to fussiness and potential digestive issues.
Recognizing the Signs
Mothers may notice signs of oversupply, such as engorgement, leaking, or a baby who seems overwhelmed during feedings. If you suspect you have an oversupply, it’s crucial to seek support from a healthcare professional who can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Strategies to Reduce Oversupply
1. Adjust Feeding Positions: One effective method to manage oversupply is to try laid-back breastfeeding. This position allows the baby to have more control over the flow of milk, which can help them cope better with a fast letdown. Feeding while reclining or lying down can slow the flow and make the experience more comfortable for both mother and baby.
2. Pacing the Feedings: Implementing breaks during feedings can also be beneficial. Burp your baby frequently and allow them to take breaks, which helps them manage the milk flow better. This pacing can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and can help regulate your milk supply.
3. Hand Expressing or Pumping: If your breasts are overly full before a feeding, consider hand expressing or pumping just enough milk to relieve the pressure. This can help reduce the initial fast flow that might be causing issues during breastfeeding.
4. Block Feeding: Another approach is block feeding, where you nurse from one breast for a set period (e.g., 2-3 hours) before switching to the other breast. This method can help regulate your supply by allowing one breast to be fully drained before switching, which can signal your body to produce less milk overall.
5. Monitor Your Pumping Habits: If you are pumping, be mindful not to pump more than your baby needs. Over-pumping can lead to increased milk production, exacerbating the oversupply issue.
Seeking Professional Help
If these strategies do not alleviate the oversupply, or if you find the situation overwhelming, it’s essential to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice and support, ensuring both you and your baby have a positive breastfeeding experience.
In conclusion, while managing an oversupply of breast milk can be daunting, implementing these strategies can help create a more comfortable feeding experience for both mother and baby. Remember, it’s important to be patient as your body adjusts to your baby’s needs, which typically stabilizes after the first few weeks of breastfeeding.

How many ounces a day is oversupply?

If average is three to five ounces combined and you are getting that from each breast, you have an oversupply.

Will oversupply correct itself?

An oversupply normally settles down in time as your supply regulates. But if it persists beyond six to eight weeks, the following might be helpful: Check your baby is latching well at the breast. Leaning back when feeding can help to slow the flow down if your baby finds it hard to latch (Trimeloni and Spencer, 2016).

What to do if your milk supply is too high?

Try feeding positions that use gravity to slow the flow of milk, such as a laid-back nursing position. Burp frequently and give your infant breaks to pace him / herself. Firmly press the pinky side of your hand into your breast (like a karate chop) during the initial fast let down to slow the flow of milk.

Should I pump if I have oversupply?

Make sure you are only expressing a small amount – 1 ounce or so – to prevent making an oversupply problem worse. The goal is to feel some relief from engorgement, but not to pump fully.

How to slow down oversupply of breast milk?

How is breastmilk oversupply treated?

1. Feed your baby from only one breast at each feed.
2. Space feeds out — at least 2 ½ hours apart.
3. At your next feed, change to your other breast.
4. Continue this pattern for a few days.
5. You might need to hand express a small amount from the unused breast to relieve pressure or discomfort.

How many oz of breast milk is an oversupply?

If average is three to five ounces combined and you are getting that from each breast, you have an oversupply. If you are getting more than five ounces from each breast (and, ahem, you don’t have twins) then you have, let’s call it, an aggressive oversupply.

How many ounces is considered oversupply?

When feeding directly at breast, the average 1-9 month old will take about 2.5-5 oz of breastmilk per feed. In the context of oversupply, a woman may have 6 or more ounces in one breast alone.

How long does it take to fix milk oversupply?

There are a few different treatment plans to help mothers who are experiencing an oversupply of breast milk. Some approaches work quickly, while others will take up to 1-2 weeks to reduce the milk supply. Every mom and baby responds differently. You may need to try a couple of solutions to fully resolve the concern.

What causes overproduction of breast milk?

Breastmilk oversupply happens for different reasons. Sometimes, there’s no specific cause — your body may simply produce large amounts of milk, especially at first. This usually gets better if you only nurse or pump to meet your infant’s needs. Pumping more than your infant needs can cause breast milk oversupply.

Does leaking breasts mean good milk supply?

You can leak breastmilk for a variety of reasons including having a full supply, or if your body is not yet sure how much to produce, if your mature milk is starting to come in, if you’ve missed a feeding, or even if you are just thinking about your baby.