What happens if you have an oversupply of breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Oversupply
Breast milk oversupply, also known as hyperlactation syndrome, occurs when a breastfeeding mother produces more milk than her baby requires. This condition can lead to a range of challenges for both the mother and the infant, affecting their breastfeeding experience and overall well-being.
Symptoms and Effects on the Mother
For mothers experiencing oversupply, the physical discomfort can be significant. Symptoms often include swollen and painful breasts, frequent leaking, and a feeling of fullness that can be overwhelming. This discomfort may lead to complications such as plugged ducts or even mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that can arise from untreated inflammation. The constant pressure to relieve the fullness can create a cycle where mothers pump frequently, inadvertently signaling their bodies to produce even more milk, thus perpetuating the oversupply issue.
Impact on the Baby
For infants, an oversupply of breast milk can create feeding difficulties. Babies may struggle with the fast flow of milk, leading to fussiness during feedings. This rapid flow can cause them to choke or gag, making the feeding experience stressful rather than soothing. Additionally, some babies may experience lactose overload, which can result in digestive issues such as gas or diarrhea. While some infants adapt well to a generous milk supply, others may become uncomfortable, even if they are gaining weight appropriately.
Managing Oversupply
Addressing breast milk oversupply involves a combination of techniques aimed at balancing milk production and ensuring a comfortable feeding experience. Mothers are often advised to hand express or pump just enough milk to relieve pressure before latching their baby, which can help manage the initial fast flow. Additionally, experimenting with different feeding positions, such as laid-back nursing, can utilize gravity to slow the flow of milk, allowing the baby to feed at a more manageable pace.
Frequent burping and giving the baby breaks during feedings can also help them regulate their intake and cope with the fast flow. In some cases, consulting with a lactation consultant can provide tailored strategies to help manage oversupply effectively.
Conclusion
While having an abundant supply of breast milk may seem advantageous, it can lead to significant challenges for both mothers and their babies. Understanding the symptoms and implementing effective management strategies can help create a more positive breastfeeding experience, ensuring that both mother and child thrive during this crucial time.

Is it bad to have an oversupply of breast milk?

Your milk supply will usually adjust to your baby’s needs after about 6 weeks of breastfeeding. Some people continue to make more milk than their baby needs, and this is known as ‘oversupply’ or ‘hyperlactation’. Oversupply can make breastfeeding difficult for both you and your baby.

How many ounces is considered oversupply?

4-5 oz
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.

What happens when breasts get too full of milk?

Breast engorgement is caused by congestion of fluid and blood in the breast. Fullness in the breast from early milk production can prevent drainage of fluids and cause painful swelling. Some women do not ever experience breast engorgement.

How long do breasts take to refill?

Milk is actually produced nonstop—before, during, and after feedings—so there’s no need to wait between feedings for your breasts to refill.

How to fix an oversupply of breast milk?

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.

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 happens when you have too much milk in your breast?

If you’re producing too much breast milk, you may notice certain symptoms in your breasts. You may experience: Breast engorgement. Breast pain (mastalgia).

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.

How many ounces a day is oversupply?

If average is three to five ounces combined and you are getting that from each breast, you have an oversupply.

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).