How to fix breast milk oversupply?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breast milk oversupply, often referred to as hyperlactation syndrome, is a condition where a breastfeeding mother produces more milk than her baby can consume. This can lead to discomfort for the mother and feeding challenges for the baby, including excessive spitting up, gassiness, and difficulty latching due to the forceful let-down of milk. Understanding how to manage this condition is crucial for both the mother’s well-being and the baby’s feeding experience.
Identifying Oversupply
The first step in addressing breast milk oversupply is recognizing the signs. Symptoms may include a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the breasts, leaking milk between feedings, and a baby who seems overwhelmed during feeding sessions. It’s important to differentiate between oversupply and other issues like engorgement or a fast let-down reflex, as these conditions require different management strategies.
Effective Strategies to Manage Oversupply
1. Block Feeding: One of the most recommended methods for managing oversupply is block feeding. This involves feeding the baby from one breast for a set period, typically 2-4 hours, before switching to the other breast. This technique helps to regulate milk production by allowing the breast that is not being used to reduce its supply.
2. Adjusting Feeding Positions: Utilizing gravity can help slow the flow of milk. Positions such as laid-back nursing allow the baby to have more control over the feeding pace. Additionally, frequent burping and giving the baby breaks during feeding can help them manage the flow better.
3. Reducing Pumping Frequency: If a mother is pumping milk, reducing the frequency of pumping sessions can signal the body to decrease milk production. It’s essential to find a balance that maintains comfort without encouraging excess supply.
4. Managing Let-Down Reflex: During the initial let-down, mothers can use techniques such as pressing the pinky side of their hand into the breast to slow the flow of milk. This can help prevent the baby from being overwhelmed by a strong milk flow.
5. Consulting a Lactation Consultant: For personalized advice and support, consulting with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) can be invaluable. They can provide tailored strategies and monitor the mother’s progress in managing oversupply.
Additional Considerations
While managing oversupply, it’s crucial to ensure that the baby is still receiving adequate nutrition. If oversupply leads to discomfort or feeding issues, mothers should seek professional guidance. In some cases, donating excess milk to milk banks can be a fulfilling way to help other babies in need.
Conclusion
Breast milk oversupply can be a challenging condition, but with the right strategies and support, mothers can effectively manage their milk production. By implementing techniques like block feeding, adjusting feeding positions, and consulting with professionals, mothers can create a more comfortable feeding experience for themselves and their babies.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breastmilk?

Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

How many ounces is 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 do I stop oversupply of breast milk?

Follow the advice below to help reduce oversupply.

1. Rule out any health issues.
2. Nurse your baby often.
3. Positioning and attachment.
4. Let baby decide how long to feed.
5. Block feeding.
6. Cold compress.
7. Cabbage leaves.
8. Ask our breastfeeding experts.

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.

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 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.