Oversupply of breast milk

What is oversupply?

Oversupply is producing too much milk when you are breastfeeding. Most people associate breastfeeding with not having enough milk; however, oversupply is also a problem. Oversupply is usually not a severe problem and can be solved fairly easily.

What are the symptoms of oversupply?

Oversupply may cause symptoms in both the mother and the baby. Mothers who produce too much milk may suffer from breast infections, including mastitis, plugged milk ducts and engorged breasts (this is when the breasts appear very full). Some mothers also experience pain when the milk first comes out (this is known as the let down reflex). Massaging the breasts and using cold packs may help to soothe soreness associated with engorgement.

Symptoms in babies include colic, becoming irritable and fussy when latching onto the breast, hiccupping, suffering from wind and detaching from the breast. Babies whose mothers have oversupply often gain weight quickly because they like to feed frequently; however, some babies in this situation also tend to gain weight slowly as they have problems feeding properly. Some babies may experience changes in their bowel habits and stools may be green and have a watery consistency. Sometimes when the baby latches on and the milk first comes out (the letdown reflex), the baby may gag or choke as the flow is faster than usual.

What causes oversupply?

Oversupply is caused by a combination of factors, including an imbalance between foremilk and hind milk and an overactive letdown reflex; foremilk is the milk which comes out during the first few minutes of the feed and hind milk is the milk which comes out during the latter stage of the feed. Foremilk tends to be sweeter and thinner in consistency and is high in lactose and low in fat; hind milk is thicker and higher in calories. Mothers with oversupply often end up with an imbalance because their baby is full after one breast because each breast contains more milk than usual. Babies who get a large amount of foremilk often feed more frequently because they don’t get the high calorie hind milk.

Coping with oversupply

Here are some tips to help reduce supply of milk:

• Feed your baby with one breast during each feed; this will help to improve the balance between the foremilk and the hind milk and will gradually encourage the body to produce less milk.
• Try to change your position while you feed; try to lean back slightly and support the baby’s head so that it is elevated above the nipple. You can also try lying on your back or your side, as the reduced power of the downward force of gravity will help to slow down and control the flow of milk.
• Wait a while after your baby has finished nursing on one breast; if they still appear to be hungry and wanting more, offer the other breast. If they don’t seem to want more and are full, do not offer the other breast.
• Relax and stay calm during the letdown reflex, when the milk will come out quickly and erratically; you can absorb this milk in a towel and then latch your baby onto your breast after this initial ejection.
• Wind your baby more frequently if you feel that they may have swallowed a lot of air during the early stage of the feed if you notice them gulping, they will probably have taken in lots of air.
• Avoid expressing milk unless you absolutely have to; the body works on a supply and demand basis, so expressing will cause the boy to produce more milk.
• Try drinking sage tea during the evening; sage contains oestrogen, which will help to reduce the supply of milk.

The supply of milk will usually start to decrease fairly quickly and you will start to notice a difference within a week if you follow the steps above. If you are having problems or you need information or advice, talk to your health visitor.