Should I pump less if I have an oversupply?

Understanding Oversupply in Breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding, many mothers face the challenge of managing their milk supply. An oversupply of breast milk can create discomfort and complications for both the mother and the baby. If you find yourself in this situation, you may wonder if you should reduce the frequency or duration of pumping sessions.
The Implications of Oversupply
Having an oversupply typically means that your body is producing more milk than your baby needs. This can lead to several issues, including:
– Engorgement: Excessive milk can cause painful swelling in the breasts.
– Nipple Damage: Frequent letdowns can lead to sore or cracked nipples.
– Difficulty for the Baby: Babies may struggle to latch properly or become overwhelmed by the fast flow of milk, leading to choking or gas.
Should You Pump Less?
Yes, reducing the frequency of pumping can be beneficial if you have an oversupply. Here are some reasons why:
1. Regulating Supply: By pumping less, you signal to your body to produce less milk. This can help bring your supply in line with your baby’s needs.

2. Comfort: Pumping less often can alleviate discomfort associated with engorgement and help your body adjust to a more manageable level of milk production.
3. Avoiding Foremilk-Hindmilk Imbalance: An oversupply can lead to a situation where the baby receives too much foremilk (the thinner milk that comes first) and not enough hindmilk (the richer milk that follows). This can result in gastrointestinal discomfort for the baby.
Practical Steps to Manage Oversupply
If you decide to pump less, consider these practical tips:
– Gradual Reduction: Slowly decrease the number of pumping sessions. This allows your body to adjust without causing significant discomfort.

– Pump Only as Needed: Instead of adhering to a strict schedule, pump only when you feel overly full or uncomfortable.
– Monitor Baby’s Needs: Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues and adjust your pumping accordingly. If your baby seems satisfied and is gaining weight, you’re likely producing a sufficient amount.
– Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about how to manage your supply, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual situation.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re experiencing an oversupply of breast milk, pumping less can indeed be a helpful strategy. It allows you to regulate your milk production, relieve discomfort, and ensure that your baby is receiving the right balance of milk. Always remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and seeking guidance from professionals can make a significant difference in achieving a comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience.

How long does it take to reduce 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.

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).

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 letdowns per feed?

There are usually 2-4 letdowns per nursing session, but you may not realize it unless you pay close attention to baby’s suckling pattern.

How much pumping is too much pumping?

Many women find that pumping for about two minutes after the last drop of milk is an effective way to stimulate more milk, however, avoid pumping for longer than 20 – 30 minutes at a time. If you need more milk, pump more frequently, rather than longer.

How many ounces a day is considered 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.

What is considered an oversupply of breast milk pumping?

Oversupply of breastmilk is when you continue to make too much milk after the first 6 weeks of feeding. Oversupply of breastmilk can have many causes. Oversupply can make breastfeedingdifficult for you and your baby. If you think you have oversupply, get support from a healthcare professional.

Can I pump less if I have an oversupply?

Yes, you can and should decrease the amount of pumping you’re doing. Oversupply and EP are both risk factors for mastitis. As mentioned here, you can decrease the minutes you pump – try going down to 20, then 15. You can also choose to decrease total pumps.

How much milk is considered a full supply?

Milk production usually peaks at around 40 days postpartum as well. Medically speaking, a full milk supply ranges from 750ml –1035ml per day. It’s also normal for this amount to fluctuate from day to day.

What to do if you have an oversupply of breast milk?

Offer the breast before it gets overly full. If your breast is overfull, hand express or pump just the initial fast flow of milk and then latch your infant. Try feeding positions that use gravity to slow the flow of milk, such as a laid-back nursing position.