How do I stop oversupply of breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breast milk oversupply, often referred to as hyperlactation syndrome, occurs when a mother produces more milk than her baby can consume. This condition can lead to discomfort for both the mother and the infant, making breastfeeding a challenging experience. Symptoms may include a forceful milk ejection reflex, excessive leaking, and even frequent bouts of plugged ducts or mastitis. While having an abundant milk supply might seem advantageous, it can create feeding difficulties, as some babies may struggle to manage the fast flow of milk.
Strategies to Manage Oversupply
If you find yourself dealing with an oversupply of breast milk, there are several strategies you can employ to help regulate your production and ease the feeding process.
1. Adjust Feeding Positions:
One effective method is to try laid-back breastfeeding. This position allows the baby to have more control over the flow of milk, which can help them manage the feeding better. By reclining or lying down during feeds, you can utilize gravity to slow down the milk flow.
2. Hand Expressing or Pumping:
Before breastfeeding, consider hand expressing or pumping just enough milk to relieve the pressure and reduce the initial fast flow. This can make it easier for your baby to latch and feed comfortably .
3. Frequent Burping and Breaks:
During feeds, take breaks to burp your baby frequently. This not only helps prevent discomfort from swallowing too much air but also allows your baby to pace themselves, which can be crucial when dealing with a strong milk flow.
4. Seek Professional Support:
If you suspect that your oversupply is causing significant issues, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.
The Adjustment Period
It’s important to note that many mothers experience an oversupply in the early weeks of breastfeeding, but this often self-regulates as the baby’s feeding patterns establish. Typically, your milk supply will adjust to meet your baby’s needs after about six weeks of breastfeeding. However, if the oversupply persists, implementing the strategies mentioned above can help alleviate the discomfort and improve the breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.
In conclusion, while an oversupply of breast milk can present challenges, understanding the condition and employing effective management strategies can lead to a more comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding journey.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

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 breastmilk?

Occasionally, there are medical reasons for having much more milk than your baby needs. Oversupply can also occur as a result of breastfeeding management, for example, when a baby’s feeds are scheduled, or if a mother is told to feed from each breast for a certain amount of time.

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.

Does pumped breast milk lose nutrients?

Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients. Beyond this timeframe, vitamins, fatty acids, enzymes, antibodies, and growth factors might be a gradual loss.

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.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

How many ounces a day is considered 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.

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.

How do you slow down oversupply of milk?

Block feeding ensures that one breast always contains leftover milk. This will trigger your breasts to reduce their milk production, and should gradually resolve oversupply of milk. How long it takes varies from person to person. Block feeding will also help to reduce the amount of thinner foremilk your baby eats.