Why am I producing too much breastmilk?

Understanding Excess Breast Milk Production
Producing too much breast milk can be a perplexing and sometimes uncomfortable experience for nursing mothers. This condition, often referred to as hyperlactation syndrome, occurs when a mother’s body produces more milk than her baby needs. While many mothers worry about having an insufficient milk supply, it’s important to recognize that some women face the opposite issue, leading to various challenges during breastfeeding.
Causes of Oversupply
Several factors can contribute to an oversupply of breast milk. One primary reason is the supply and demand principle of lactation. The more frequently a mother nurses or pumps, the more milk her body produces. If a mother is pumping excessively or feeding on a strict schedule rather than responding to her baby’s hunger cues, this can lead to an overproduction of milk.
Additionally, a poor latch can exacerbate the situation. If the baby is not latching properly, the mother may produce more milk than necessary, as the body interprets the lack of effective feeding as a need for more milk.
Symptoms and Effects
Mothers experiencing oversupply may notice symptoms such as swollen and painful breasts, as well as fussiness in their babies during feedings. This fussiness can stem from the baby receiving too much milk too quickly, leading to discomfort and difficulty in managing the flow.
Managing Oversupply
For mothers dealing with this issue, there are several strategies to help manage milk production. One effective approach is to pump less frequently and allow the baby to dictate feeding times. This can help regulate the milk supply to better match the baby’s needs. If the oversupply persists, mothers may consider expressing a small amount of milk before feedings to alleviate pressure and reduce the flow.
In some cases, consulting with a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support to help manage milk production effectively. They can assist in addressing latch issues and developing a feeding plan that aligns with the baby’s needs.
Conclusion
While producing too much breast milk can be challenging, understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective management strategies can help mothers navigate this experience. By adjusting feeding practices and seeking support when needed, mothers can find a balance that works for both them and their babies.

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 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.

What causes overproduction of breast milk?

Sometimes, there’s no specific cause — your body may simply produce large amounts of milk, especially at first. This usually gets better if you only nurse or pump to meet your infant’s needs. Pumping more than your infant needs can cause breast milk oversupply.

Why is my baby having too much breast milk?

Occasionally women make too much breast milk and their babies struggle to cope. It’s best to get your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist to watch a feed to see if they can spot why this is happening. They can also show you different positions to help your baby cope with large amounts of milk.

Why is my milk supply suddenly so high?

This is usually called oversupply. Some babies cope very well with a generous milk supply; however, others will be unhappy and uncomfortable even though they are gaining weight and appearing to thrive. Oversupply can also make feeding uncomfortable and increase the risk of mastitis.

How do I reduce my 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.

What is considered oversupply breastmilk?

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.

How do you know if you are overfeeding a breastfed baby?

Signs of Overfeeding a Breastfed Baby
Frequent Spitting Up: Spitting up more than usual can indicate your baby is overfed. While spitting up is common, excessive spitting can be a clear sign of overfeeding. Gassiness and Fussiness: An overfed baby might be more gassy and fussy than usual.

What causes increased breast milk production?

Lactation generally continues as long as milk is removed from your breast. The more milk that’s removed, the more milk your body makes to replace it. Frequent feeding or pumping will cause your body to make more milk.

How many ounces a day 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.