How do you treat breast milk oversupply?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breast milk oversupply, often referred to as hyperlactation syndrome, occurs when a mother produces more milk than her baby needs. This condition can lead to discomfort for both the mother and the infant, manifesting in symptoms such as engorgement, painful let-downs, and feeding difficulties for the baby. While some babies may thrive on a plentiful milk supply, others may experience distress, leading to fussiness and feeding challenges.
Identifying Oversupply
The first step in addressing breast milk oversupply is recognizing the signs. Symptoms can include a consistently full feeling in the breasts, leaking milk, and a fast let-down reflex that can overwhelm the baby during feeding. It’s essential to differentiate between oversupply and other conditions like breast engorgement, which can occur temporarily.
Strategies for Managing Oversupply
1. Block Feeding: One effective method to manage oversupply is block feeding, where the mother feeds the baby from one breast for a set period, typically 2-4 hours, before switching to the other breast. This approach helps to regulate milk production by allowing the breast to empty more completely during each feeding.
2. Adjusting Feeding Patterns: Changing the baby’s feeding pattern can also help. For instance, if a mother typically feeds on both breasts during a session, she might try offering only one breast at a time. This can help reduce the overall milk supply over time.
3. Positioning Techniques: Utilizing gravity to slow the flow of milk can be beneficial. Feeding in a laid-back position allows the baby to have better control over the milk flow, which can reduce the likelihood of choking or gagging.
4. Expressing Milk: If the mother feels overly full before a feeding, she can hand express or pump just enough milk to relieve discomfort and allow the baby to latch more easily. This technique can help manage the initial fast flow of milk that can be overwhelming for the infant.
5. Consulting Professionals: It’s advisable for mothers experiencing oversupply to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized strategies and support to help manage milk production effectively.
Conclusion
Managing breast milk oversupply requires a combination of awareness, strategic feeding practices, and professional guidance. By implementing techniques like block feeding and adjusting feeding positions, mothers can alleviate discomfort and create a more positive breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babies. Understanding and addressing oversupply not only enhances the breastfeeding journey but also supports the overall well-being of both mother and child.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Can you gain weight from milk oversupply?

Only if they are combined with excessive weight gain is breast milk oversupply likely to be the cause. Babies are expected to gain around 900 g (2 lb) per month, but in cases of oversupply, they will put on much more – often around double that.

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 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.

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).