Should I pump if I have oversupply?

Understanding Oversupply and Pumping
For many breastfeeding mothers, the concern often revolves around not producing enough milk. However, the reality for some is quite the opposite: an oversupply of breast milk. While this may initially seem like a blessing, it can lead to complications for both mother and baby. If you find yourself in this situation, you might be wondering whether you should continue pumping or adjust your routine.
The Challenges of Oversupply
Having an oversupply of milk can create a range of issues. For mothers, it can lead to discomfort, engorgement, and even pain. For babies, an excessive milk supply can result in feeding difficulties, such as choking or excessive gas, as they struggle to manage the fast flow of milk. Some babies may thrive despite the oversupply, but others may become unhappy and uncomfortable, even if they are gaining weight.
Should You Pump?
When it comes to pumping with an oversupply, the answer isn’t straightforward. Pumping can send mixed signals to your body, potentially leading to an increase in milk production. This is because your body responds to the demand created by pumping, which can exacerbate the oversupply issue. If you are exclusively pumping, it may be beneficial to consider reducing the frequency or duration of your pumping sessions to help regulate your supply.
However, if you are pumping for specific reasons—such as building a stash for when you return to work or to relieve engorgement—it’s essential to approach this carefully. You might want to pump just enough to relieve discomfort without stimulating further production. This balance can help manage your supply while still meeting your needs.
Strategies for Managing Oversupply
If you decide to continue pumping, consider these strategies:
– Pump Less Frequently: Reducing the number of pumping sessions can help signal your body to decrease milk production.
– Adjust Pumping Duration: Instead of pumping until empty, try to pump for a shorter period to avoid overstimulation.
– Use a Manual Pump: This can give you more control over how much milk you express, allowing you to relieve pressure without encouraging excess production.
Conclusion
In summary, while pumping with an oversupply can be tempting, it’s crucial to approach it with caution. The goal should be to find a balance that alleviates discomfort without exacerbating the oversupply. Consulting with a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, helping you navigate the complexities of breastfeeding and pumping effectively.

What to do with oversupply of breast milk?

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.

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).

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The 120-minute rule is a helpful guideline for exclusive pumpers. It suggests spending at least 120 minutes (or 2 hours) each day pumping. How you divide that time depends on your baby’s age. For example, with a newborn, you might spread it across eight 15-minute sessions throughout the day.

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 long does oversupply take to correct?

If you’re sure you have an oversupply of breast milk, but you and your baby are happy, there’s no need to do anything. Most cases settle down after the first few months. And as your baby grows, he’ll get better at dealing with a fast flow, and may come to enjoy it!

How many ounces 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.

Is it bad to pump if you have an 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.

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 many ounces is a good stash of breastmilk?

36 to 80 ounces
How much milk should you save. As a working parent, a good goal for your milk stash is 3-5 days (or 36 to 80 ounces) of milk in the freezer before starting back to work, although the amount ultimately depends on how long you’ll be away from your little one each day.

Should I stop pumping if I have oversupply?

Although sometimes oversupply can be resolved by stopping the extra pumping, there are cases where we need to consider reducing milk production to a manageable level. Most of these are ideally done with the help of a lactation consultant.