How do you treat excessive milk production?

Understanding Excessive Milk Production
Excessive milk production, often referred to as hyperlactation syndrome, can be a challenging condition for breastfeeding mothers. This phenomenon occurs when the body produces more breast milk than the baby requires, leading to discomfort for the mother and potential feeding issues for the infant.
Causes of Hyperlactation
Hyperlactation can arise from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, frequent breastfeeding or pumping, and certain medications. The condition can lead to symptoms such as breast engorgement, pain, and leaking, as well as difficulties for the baby, who may struggle with latching or experience excessive gas and fussiness due to the rapid flow of milk.
Treatment Strategies
Addressing excessive milk production involves a combination of self-management techniques and professional guidance. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Adjusting Feeding Patterns: One of the primary methods to manage hyperlactation is to modify breastfeeding habits. Mothers can try to space out feedings more or allow the baby to nurse for shorter periods. This can help regulate milk supply over time.
2. Pumping Techniques: If a mother is pumping, reducing the frequency and duration of pumping sessions can also help decrease milk production. It’s essential to pump only enough to relieve discomfort without stimulating further production.
3. Positioning During Feeding: Utilizing different breastfeeding positions can help manage the flow of milk. For instance, the laid-back breastfeeding position allows gravity to assist in controlling the milk flow, making it easier for the baby to handle.
4. Consulting a Lactation Specialist: Seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide tailored strategies and support. These professionals can offer insights into effective feeding techniques and help identify any underlying issues contributing to excessive milk production.
5. Medication: In some cases, medications that reduce milk supply may be considered. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as it involves weighing the benefits against potential side effects.
Conclusion
Excessive milk production can be a distressing experience for breastfeeding mothers, but with the right strategies and support, it can be effectively managed. By adjusting feeding practices, consulting with professionals, and possibly considering medical options, mothers can find relief and ensure a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babies.

What causes high production of breast milk?

Some breastfeeding parents naturally produce more milk due to their genetics. You may also be at greater risk for hyperlactation syndrome if you have hyperprolactinemia. Certain herbal supplements may also affect your milk supply.

How to fix overproduction 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.

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.

What causes hyper lactation?

Hyperlactation — breast milk oversupply — can have many causes, including: Breast-feeding mismanagement. Too much of the milk production-stimulating hormone prolactin in your blood (hyperprolactinemia) A congenital predisposition.

How can I stop producing a lot of milk?

Take birth control.
Taking estrogen as a part of a combined birth control pill can help stop lactation. Most mothers see a drop in milk production after taking one pill a day for one week.

How do you stop milk production?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

1. 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
2. Cold turkey.
3. Herbs.
4. Cabbage.
5. Birth control.
6. Sudafed.
7. Vitamin B.
8. Other drugs.

Why is my body producing so much milk?

Excessive breast stimulation, medicine side effects or conditions of the pituitary gland all may contribute to galactorrhea. Often, galactorrhea results from increased levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production. Sometimes, the cause of galactorrhea can’t be determined.

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).

How much milk 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.

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.