Do I have an oversupply?
What is an oversupply?
An over supply – also referred to as hyperlactation - is when your breasts make more milk than you/your baby needs. Whilst this may sound like a good thing – to have an abundance of milk – too much milk can present many challenges.
Read on to learn what causes an oversupply, common symptoms and how to treat it.
What causes an oversupply?
It is common to have an oversupply in the first 10 days following birth and your breasts may feel frequently feel full or engorged. Many mothers have an oversupply at the beginning as your body isn’t sure how many babies you need to feed and nourish and, as you continue to responsively feed, your supply should start to settle.
Some mothers simply produce a lot milk. Depending on circumstances and the amount of oversupply, some may be manageable but others may cause a whole host of challenges and, sadly, cause a breastfeeding journey to end prematurely.
Conditions such as PCOS or certain medications can contribute to an oversupply, as well as the cultural practice of consuming galactagogues (food and substances that can increase milk production) before and after birth.
Excessive milk removal, beyond your baby’s needs, is probably the most common cause of an oversupply. This can be due to lack of knowledge around milk production, or from desperate attempts to increase a true low milk supply or perceived low milk supply. This is typically in the form of over-pumping, or excessively using a suction pump – there’s a common misconception that suction pumps are similar to milk collectors (which do not draw out milk, just collect it). But suction pumps do draw milk out and it’s important to use them correctly to avoid an oversupply.
Periods of oversupply can also occur sporadically as a result of your baby feeding more for a number of reasons, and your supply can readjust again to meet your baby’s needs.
How do I know if I have oversupply?
There are signs that can indicate an oversupply, however many of them can be present in a healthy breastfeeding journey, with no cause for concern. They can equally be due to a different problem so, if you think you may have an oversupply, please seek skilled support/advice.
Some common signs of oversupply are:
Baby produces frothy, green, explosive poo due to lactase overload (lactase is higher in the foremilk – the milk that comes out at the start of a feed)
Baby may cough, splutter or choke on the fast flow of milk
Baby may arch their back, stiffen and cry during the feed
Baby may clamp down or draw back on your nipple as they try to manage the milk flow
Baby gains weight rapidly, moving up percentiles quickly
Constant feeding cues due to baby not accessing the fattier milk towards the end of a feed, which gives them the sensation of being full and satisfied.
Baby may be fussy during a feed, coming on/off the breast, and between feeds.
Frequent vomiting
A mother with an oversupply may experience:
Chronic engorgement - breasts are rarely soft/comfortable, and feel constantly tender or painful
A painful letdown
Excessive leaking during and in between feeds
Recurring blocked ducts
Recurring mastitis – repeat antibiotics or treatment for an abscess
Sore nipples due to baby clamping down on nipples
How do I reduce my oversupply?
Firstly, ensure that you truly have an oversupply. Self-diagnosis can run the risk of a mis-diagnosis, and reducing your supply could result in a low milk supply. It is also possible to experience oversupply in just one breast, so pay close attention to your breasts to determine whether it is one or both.
Milk production works on a supply and demand basis; the more milk you continually remove, the more you make. The less milk you continually remove, the less you make. If breasts remain full of milk for prolonged periods, a protein present in breastmilk called the Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) signals to milk production to slow down.
Whilst attempting to reduce your milk supply, it’s important to monitor your baby’s weight and nappy output to ensure they are still consuming enough milk.
Responsive feeding
If there are no other issues, allow your baby to show you when they’re hungry. Respond to their hunger cues and allow them to feed as long as they want, rather than sticking to a schedule or encouraging a certain number of minutes at each breast; some babies only need to feed from one breast per feed, some two – or more! A baby may need to switch frequently and this all depends on a mother’s breastmilk storage capacity. Offer both but know it is ok if baby only needs one.
One side per feed
If your baby often feeds from both breasts, try limiting to just one breast per feed. If your baby has a short break and returns to the breast, offer the same breast instead of swapping. This may help to reduce your supply to match your baby’s needs, but may not work if you have a naturally small milk storage capacity.
Block feeding
Block feeding is a temporary measure that involves feeding baby from the same breast for a set block of time, starting with no more than 3 hours. I recommend doing this under the guidance of a skilled infant feeding specialist, and to monitor your baby’s weight and nappy output closely during this time.
It’s important not to have a too-rigid approach to block feeding, and to listen to your baby and your body. Never leave the unused breast if it feels engorged; always express enough to feel comfortable, to avoid blocked ducts/mastitis.
Full drainage & block feeding
This is the same principle as just block feeding, but both breasts are fully emptied before the block feeding begins. This is for more severe cases of oversupply and, once again, I recommend this is done under the guidance of a skilled infant feeding specialist.
Medications and herbs
There are herbs and medications that can help to reduce milk production – consult with a herbalist to make sure you consume the safe and correct dosage.
Reduce pumping
If you pump exclusively or combined with breastfeeding/formula, ensure you are only pumping the amount needed for your baby’s next feed. Avoid stocking up the freezer during this time as you will be removing more milk than your baby requires. You can gradually reduce the amount you pump to match your baby’s needs and, if you feel engorged between pumping sessions, remove a very small amount of milk to relieve discomfort only.
If you need further support with an oversupply, get in touch and we can work through it together. Email me hello@nurturewithlydia.com.
