What is overproduction of breast milk?

Understanding Overproduction of Breast Milk
Overproduction of breast milk, often referred to as hyperlactation syndrome, occurs when a lactating individual produces more milk than their baby requires. While it may seem advantageous to have an abundant milk supply, this condition can lead to various challenges for both the mother and the infant.
The Mechanism of Milk Production
Breast milk production operates on a supply and demand basis. After childbirth, the body begins to produce milk in response to the baby’s feeding patterns. The more milk that is removed from the breast, the more the body is stimulated to produce. This means that if a mother has a full breast, milk production can ramp up quickly, leading to an oversupply situation.
Symptoms and Challenges
Mothers experiencing overproduction may notice several uncomfortable symptoms. These can include engorgement, pain, and a feeling of fullness that does not subside even after feeding. For the baby, the effects can be equally distressing. Infants may become restless during feedings, often pulling off the breast or crying due to the forceful letdown of milk, which can overwhelm them. This can create a frustrating cycle where the baby struggles to feed effectively, leading to further complications.
Identifying Oversupply
Recognizing the signs of oversupply is crucial for effective management. Symptoms may include:
– Frequent engorgement
– A baby who seems to choke or gag during feedings
– Excessive spitting up or fussiness after feedings
– A baby who is gaining weight rapidly, more than what is typical.
Management Strategies
Managing an oversupply of breast milk involves several strategies aimed at balancing milk production with the baby’s needs. Techniques such as block feeding, where the mother feeds from one breast for a set period before switching to the other, can help regulate supply. Additionally, ensuring proper latch and positioning during breastfeeding can improve milk transfer and reduce the stimulation that leads to overproduction.
Mothers may also consider expressing milk to relieve discomfort without stimulating further production. This can be done through hand expression or using a pump, but care should be taken not to over-pump, as this can exacerbate the issue.
Conclusion
While overproduction of breast milk can initially seem like a blessing, it often presents unique challenges that require careful management. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of milk production and recognizing the symptoms can empower mothers to take control of their breastfeeding experience, ensuring both they and their babies can thrive.

What causes excessive breast milk production?

Excessive breast stimulation, medicine side effects or conditions of the pituitary gland all may contribute to galactorrhea. Often, galactorrhea results from increased levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production. Sometimes, the cause of galactorrhea can’t be determined.

What is considered oversupply of breast milk?

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.

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 there is oversupply?

Simply put, an oversupply is when there is more product for sale than people are prepared to buy at the current price. Although the context can vary, oversupply results from overproduction and leads to the accumulation of unsalable inventories. Price levels and oversupply are strongly correlated.

How much breast milk is too much?

Over breastfeeding should be suspected where infants show rapid weight gain (normal infant body weight increase is 20–60 grams per day).

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 happens when the supply is too high?

The law of supply and demand describes the relationship between prices and quantities of goods in a market economy. When supply is greater than demand, prices drop; when demand is greater than supply, prices rise. Price elasticity of demand refers to the sensitivity of prices in relation to demand.

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).

How to fix 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.

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).