How do you fix oversupply of breastmilk?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breast milk oversupply, also known as hyperlactation, occurs when a breastfeeding mother produces more milk than her baby needs. This condition can lead to various challenges for both the mother and the infant, including discomfort for the mother and feeding difficulties for the baby. Recognizing and addressing this issue is crucial for a healthy breastfeeding experience.
Identifying Oversupply
The first step in managing breast milk oversupply is to identify the signs. Common indicators include:
– Frequent leaking: Milk may leak from the breast between feedings.
– Engorgement: The breasts may feel overly full and uncomfortable.
– Baby’s feeding struggles: The infant may have difficulty latching or may choke or gag during feedings due to the forceful flow of milk.
– Baby’s fussiness: The baby may become fussy or gassy, which can be a result of ingesting too much foremilk, the thinner milk that comes at the beginning of a feeding.
Strategies for Managing Oversupply
Once oversupply is confirmed, several strategies can help regulate milk production:
1. Adjust Feeding Techniques:
– Positioning: Try different breastfeeding positions that allow gravity to help manage the flow of milk. For instance, the laid-back position can help slow down the milk flow.
– Block Feeding: This involves feeding the baby from one breast for a set period (e.g., 2-3 hours) before switching to the other breast. This method can help reduce the overall milk supply by allowing the breast to empty more completely.
2. Pumping Adjustments:
– If you are pumping, consider reducing the frequency and duration of your pumping sessions. Gradually decrease the time spent pumping or the amount of milk expressed to signal your body to produce less milk. For example, cutting back by a few minutes or half an ounce every few days can be effective.
3. Avoiding Stimulation:
– It’s essential to avoid artificially stimulating milk production. This means refraining from pumping unless necessary, such as when your baby takes a bottle. Only pump the amount your baby consumes to prevent further stimulation of milk production.
4. Consulting Professionals:
– Seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support. They can help assess your breastfeeding technique and offer tailored solutions to manage oversupply effectively.
5. Diet and Lifestyle Considerations:
– Some mothers find that certain dietary changes can impact milk supply. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet is important, but it may also be beneficial to monitor any foods that could potentially increase milk production.
Conclusion
Managing breast milk oversupply is a process that requires patience and adjustment. By understanding the signs and implementing effective strategies, mothers can create a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for themselves and their babies. If challenges persist, professional guidance can be invaluable in navigating this common issue.

Can you overfeed a breastfed baby if you have an oversupply?

If you’re experiencing clogged ducts or noticing your breasts are engorged, you may be overproducing breast milk, which means your baby is likely getting too much, too. There are things you can do to help, like only feeding when your baby is hungry or pumping less frequently.

How do I reduce my oversupply of breast milk?

Offer the breast before it gets overly full. If your breast is overfull, hand express or pump just the initial fast flow of milk and then latch your infant. Try feeding positions that use gravity to slow the flow of milk, such as a laid-back nursing position.

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.

Can wearing a bra reduce milk supply?

Your nursing bra should be supportive but not tight. It should not leave any indentations or marks on your skin. If your bra is too tight, it could cause plugged milk ducts, mastitis or a decrease in your milk supply.

How many letdowns per feed?

There are usually 2-4 letdowns per nursing session, but you may not realize it unless you pay close attention to baby’s suckling pattern.

How many ounces of breastmilk is considered an oversupply?

If you pump in place of breastfeeding, about two or three hours from your last breastfeeding or pumping session—well, here is where your true oversupply will show us what it can do. If average is three to five ounces combined and you are getting that from each breast, you have an oversupply.

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.

Will pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

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).

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.