What causes oversupply of breastmilk?

Understanding the Causes of Breastmilk Oversupply
Breastmilk oversupply, also known as hyperlactation syndrome, occurs when a mother produces more milk than her infant requires. This condition can lead to discomfort for both the mother and the baby, manifesting in various symptoms that can complicate the breastfeeding experience. Understanding the underlying causes of this phenomenon is crucial for new mothers navigating the complexities of lactation.
Physiological Factors
One of the primary reasons for oversupply is the body’s natural response to demand. When a mother frequently breastfeeds or pumps, her body may interpret this as a signal to produce more milk. This over-stimulation can occur when mothers engage in both breastfeeding and pumping, leading to an excess of milk production. Additionally, some women may simply have a naturally higher milk production capacity, which can result in an oversupply without any external stimulation.
The Role of Breast Pumps
The rise in the use of breast pumps has significantly contributed to the prevalence of oversupply. Many mothers, motivated by the desire to store milk for future use, may pump excessively. This practice can inadvertently lead to hyperlactation, as the body continues to produce milk in response to the frequent emptying of the breasts. Social media and parenting groups often promote the idea of having a freezer stocked with breast milk, which can encourage mothers to pump more than necessary, further exacerbating the issue.
Other Contributing Factors
While the physiological aspects are significant, other factors can also play a role in breastmilk oversupply. For instance, certain medical conditions or hormonal imbalances may lead to increased milk production. Additionally, if a baby is not effectively draining the breast during feedings—perhaps due to latch issues or feeding difficulties—this can result in an oversupply as the body continues to produce milk without adequate removal.
Implications for Mother and Baby
The consequences of oversupply can be challenging. For mothers, it may lead to discomfort, engorgement, and even conditions like mastitis if not managed properly. For infants, an oversupply can cause feeding difficulties, such as choking or gagging, as they struggle to manage the fast flow of milk. It can also lead to issues like reflux or excessive weight gain, which may confuse the diagnosis of the underlying problem.
Conclusion
Breastmilk oversupply is a multifaceted issue influenced by physiological responses, the use of breast pumps, and individual health factors. Understanding these causes is essential for mothers to manage their breastfeeding journey effectively. By recognizing the signs of oversupply and seeking appropriate guidance, mothers can ensure a more comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babies.

What is the reason of oversupply?

Oversupply is an excessive amount of a product that is the result of when demand is lower than supply, resulting in a surplus.

How many ounces of breastmilk is considered an oversupply?

If you pump in place of breastfeeding, about two or three hours from your last breastfeeding or pumping session—well, here is where your true oversupply will show us what it can do. If average is three to five ounces combined and you are getting that from each breast, you have an oversupply.

What triggers more breast milk?

Frequent feeding or pumping will cause your body to make more milk.

How do you prevent breast milk oversupply?

How to help oversupply

1. Rule out any health issues. Make sure your baby does not have a health issue that affects how they handle the milk flow.
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.

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.

Which vitamin is lacking in breast milk?

Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K. Additional nutrient deficiencies have been documented in resource-poor countries: vitamin A, vitamin B 12, zinc, and vitamin B 1/thiamin.

What are the negative effects of oversupply?

Problems with oversupply
Left unmanaged, it can lead to clogged ducts and mastitis (breast infection). If the milk flow is too fast for the baby, it can cause them to gulp, cough and even choke while they are breastfeeding. Baby can also have reflux symptoms if he is eating large volumes at one feeding.

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 causes overproduction of breast milk?

Many women naturally make more milk than their infant needs. Sometimes an oversupply is created by over stimulating the breasts by doing both breastfeeding and pumping. Having an oversupply of breast milk can be uncomfortable for both a mother and infant.