Is having an oversupply of breast milk bad?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breastfeeding is often celebrated as a natural and beneficial way to nourish infants, but for some mothers, the experience can be complicated by an oversupply of breast milk. While it may seem counterintuitive, producing more milk than a baby needs can lead to a range of challenges for both mother and child.
What is Breast Milk Oversupply?
Breast milk oversupply, also known as hyperlactation syndrome, occurs when a breastfeeding mother produces more milk than her infant can consume. This condition can manifest in various ways, including swollen and painful breasts for the mother and feeding difficulties for the baby. Symptoms for the baby may include fussiness during feedings, as they struggle to manage the fast flow of milk.
The Impact on Mothers and Babies
For mothers, an oversupply can lead to discomfort and complications such as plugged ducts or even mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue. The physical discomfort can be exacerbated by the frequent need to pump or express milk to relieve pressure, which can inadvertently signal the body to produce even more milk, perpetuating the cycle of oversupply.
For infants, the challenges are equally significant. A baby may become overwhelmed by the rapid flow of milk, leading to a frustrating feeding experience. They might pull away from the breast, cry, or exhibit signs of distress during feedings. This can create a stressful environment for both the mother and the baby, potentially impacting their bonding experience.
Managing Oversupply
Fortunately, there are strategies that mothers can employ to manage an oversupply of breast milk. Techniques such as adjusting feeding positions, allowing the baby to feed on one breast per session, and using breast compression can help regulate milk flow and make feeding more comfortable for the baby. Additionally, consulting with a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support.
Conclusion
While having an oversupply of breast milk might initially seem like a fortunate situation, it can lead to significant challenges for both mothers and their infants. Understanding the implications of hyperlactation and seeking effective management strategies is crucial for ensuring a positive breastfeeding experience. By addressing the issue proactively, mothers can foster a more comfortable and enjoyable feeding relationship with their babies.

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.

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.

What is considered a large milk supply?

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.

How long does it take to correct 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.

What happens if you have an oversupply of breast milk?

Your baby may be unsettled or distressed during and after feeding. It can be hard to know whether they are still hungry or are getting too much milk too fast. If you have an oversupply, your baby may: choke and splutter at your breast due to the high rate of milk flow.

Can I pump every 4 hours if I have oversupply?

Ideally you should pump as many times as baby is eating. When that’s every 2-3 hours, you would pump every 2-3 hours. If you’re prone to oversupply (as I was), every 2-3 hours can cause you to make WAY too much milk since pumping empties both breasts at once. A baby only has one mouth.

How many Oz 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.

How do you fix oversupply when pumping?

If you are mostly or exclusively pumping, you may be able to manage oversupply by slowly reducing the time spent pumping or gradually reducing the number of ounces pumped. This may look like reducing your pumping session by 3 minutes or ½ oz every couple of days until you feel you are in a good place.

Can pumping too much hurt your supply?

At the other end of the spectrum, increasing the milk supply too much through pumping can lead to engorgement, blocked milk ducts, and increased risk of breast inflammation, or infection (mastitis).

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).