What do I do with excess breast milk?

Understanding Excess Breast Milk
For many breastfeeding mothers, the journey can sometimes lead to an unexpected challenge: excess breast milk. This condition, often referred to as oversupply or hyperlactation, occurs when a mother produces more milk than her baby requires. While having a surplus might seem advantageous, it can lead to discomfort for both mother and child, as well as feeding difficulties for the baby.
What to Do with Excess Breast Milk
If you find yourself with an oversupply of breast milk, there are several effective strategies to manage the situation:
1. Pumping and Storing: One of the most practical solutions is to pump excess milk. This not only relieves discomfort but also allows you to store milk for future use. Properly stored breast milk can be frozen for several months, providing a valuable resource for later feedings. Make sure to use clean containers and label them with the date.
2. Donation: If you have a significant surplus, consider donating your excess milk. Many hospitals and milk banks accept donations, which can be a lifesaver for premature or ill infants who need breast milk. Before donating, check the guidelines of local milk banks to ensure your milk meets their safety standards.
3. Adjusting Feeding Techniques: Sometimes, adjusting how you feed your baby can help manage oversupply. Techniques such as block feeding—where you feed your baby from one breast for a set period before switching—can help regulate your milk production. This method encourages your body to adjust to the baby’s needs, potentially reducing the oversupply over time.
4. Consulting a Lactation Consultant: If you’re struggling to manage your milk supply, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can be invaluable. They can provide personalized strategies to help you balance your milk production and ensure that both you and your baby are comfortable during feeding.
5. Monitoring Baby’s Feeding: Keep an eye on your baby’s feeding patterns. Some babies may thrive on a larger milk supply, while others might struggle with the flow. If your baby seems uncomfortable or is having difficulty latching, it may be a sign that your milk supply is too high.
Conclusion
Managing excess breast milk can be a delicate balance, but with the right strategies, it can be handled effectively. Whether you choose to pump and store, donate, or adjust feeding techniques, the key is to ensure that both you and your baby are comfortable and thriving. If challenges persist, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and finding the right approach for your situation is essential.

How many oz of breast milk is an 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.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.

What to do with excess breast milk?

1. Uses for Undrinkable Breast Milk.
2. Draw a Milk Bath.
3. Make Breast Milk Soap and Lotion.
4. Turn It Into Breast Milk Jewelry.
5. Uses for Extra Fresh or Frozen Breast Milk.
6. Donate or Sell Your Extra Breast Milk.
7. Make Breast Milk Popsicles.
8. Make Baby Food.

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 to get rid of extra breast milk?

Block feeding ensures that one breast always contains leftover milk. This will trigger your breasts to reduce their milk production, and should gradually resolve oversupply of milk. How long it takes varies from person to person. Block feeding will also help to reduce the amount of thinner foremilk your baby eats.

How to get rid of breast milk?

Cold turkey

1. Wear a supportive bra that holds your breasts in place.
2. Use ice packs and over-the-counter pain (OTC) medications to help with pain and inflammation.
3. Hand express milk to ease engorgement. Do this sparingly so you don’t continue to stimulate production.

What can I do with excess breast milk?

1. Uses for Undrinkable Breast Milk.
2. Draw a Milk Bath.
3. Make Breast Milk Soap and Lotion.
4. Turn It Into Breast Milk Jewelry.
5. Uses for Extra Fresh or Frozen Breast Milk.
6. Donate or Sell Your Extra Breast Milk.
7. Make Breast Milk Popsicles.
8. Make Baby Food.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

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.

How do you get rid of excess milk?

Any milk or yogurt can be washed down the drain. Cheese, or other solid dairy should be placed in a garbage bag (yogurt can be washed down the kitchen sink). I keep my garbage in a bag separate from my trash/recycling.