How to reduce oversupply in one breast?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful experience, but for some mothers, it comes with the challenge of oversupply—producing more milk than their baby needs. This condition can lead to discomfort for the mother and feeding difficulties for the baby. When oversupply occurs in one breast, it can create an imbalance that may require specific strategies to manage effectively.
Identifying Oversupply
The first step in addressing oversupply is recognizing the signs. Symptoms may include engorgement, leaking, and discomfort in the breast, as well as signs that the baby is struggling during feeds, such as choking or coughing due to a fast milk flow. If you suspect that you have an oversupply issue, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant for personalized advice.
Strategies to Reduce Oversupply
1. Block Feeding: One of the most effective methods to reduce milk production in one breast is block feeding. This technique involves feeding your baby from only one breast during a feeding session and then switching to the other breast for the next session. By doing this, you allow the breast that is oversupplying to be emptied more thoroughly, which can help signal your body to reduce milk production in that breast.
2. Laid-Back Breastfeeding: Adopting a laid-back breastfeeding position can also be beneficial. This position allows the baby to have more control over the feeding process, which can help manage the flow of milk. When the baby is in a reclined position, they can latch more effectively and regulate their intake, potentially reducing the discomfort associated with oversupply.
3. Nursing Frequency: Adjusting the frequency of nursing sessions can also help. If you find that one breast is producing more milk, try to nurse more frequently from the less productive breast. This can help balance the supply between the two breasts over time.
4. Avoiding Pumping: If you are pumping milk, consider reducing or stopping this practice temporarily. Pumping can stimulate further milk production, exacerbating the oversupply issue. Instead, focus on direct breastfeeding, which can help regulate your supply more naturally.
5. Consulting a Professional: It’s crucial to seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can provide tailored advice and monitor your progress, ensuring that both you and your baby are comfortable and thriving during this process.
Conclusion
Managing oversupply in one breast requires a combination of techniques and support. By implementing strategies like block feeding, adjusting nursing positions, and consulting with professionals, mothers can effectively reduce their milk supply and create a more comfortable breastfeeding experience. Remember, every mother’s body is different, and finding the right balance may take time and patience.

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).

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.

How to fix oversupply in one breast?

Give your baby enough time to completely finish one breast before swapping to the second breast. With oversupply, babies tend to take only one side per feeding. It is best not to express at all unless you are very engorged. Pump just enough to relieve the discomfort.

How long to block feed for oversupply?

How block feeding helps oversupply. When the breast stays full for 3 to 6 hours, your body releases the opposite to milk making hormones (FIL hormones). They tell your body to slow down the milk production. Over a week or so doing this can calm down an overactive milk supply.

How many ounces a day is oversupply?

If average is three to five ounces combined and you are getting that from each breast, you have an oversupply.

How do I stop one breast from producing milk?

‘Block feeding’ is a method that can help reduce your milk supply in just a few days.

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.

How many ounces is an oversupply?

An oversupply of breast milk generally refers to a mother who is able to nurse her infant, or multiples, and is still able to produce a significant amount of breast milk (more than 4-5 oz) in a pump session after a feeding.

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.

Can you fix a slacker boob?

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. As long as your baby is growing and thriving on your breast milk, there is nothing that needs to be done about a slacker boob.

How long does it take to correct oversupply?

It takes a few weeks for your supply to settle down to what your baby actually needs. It is not unusual in the early weeks to feel as if you have too much milk, and to have times when the breasts feel full or even engorged. This is not the same as oversupply.