Oversupply While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has many benefits for your baby. Sometimes moms can make more breast milk then they need. However, having too much breast milk supply can be just as challenging as having too little of a supply. Moms need to adjust and temporary change their breastfeeding routine to help their breast milk slow down. Changing the way you breastfeed your baby helps with the overall breastfeeding volume. The breasts should gradually slow down on milk production by offering one side every few hours. This way your baby will drain the breast more efficiently and maintain a good weight.Offering the same breast at every breastfeeding session for a certain time block, called block feeding helps, starting with every three to four hours. Block feeding can help normalize milk production and treat these women who have an over production of breast milk. Just express a little for comfort on the side that you are not breastfeeding only to relieve the tightness feeling and no more. You can pump or hand express this side for comfort. Avoid pumping if at all possible. This will also help with nipple soreness. Some moms with an overabundant breast milk supply experience forceful letdowns. If there is a forceful spray at first, catch it in a plastic bottle or clean towel. Additionally, you can hold the baby upright where his head is slightly higher then your breast.The football hold can work for a younger baby. If the baby starts to gag, you are hearing noisy breastfeeding sessions, the baby starts to cough or choke at first while breastfeeding, take the baby off and express a little breast milk out and then put the baby back on after the baby calms down. Some babies have severe gas pains or explosive stools that irritate the diaper area as well. You can try feeding your baby while leaning back a little. Gravity helps slow down the flow. Burp the baby often. The scissor hold on areola may help slow down the milk flow. If after a few weeks things do not improve greatly, then you need to do two breastfeeding sessions on the same side and monitor the baby's personality.If the baby is happy, less fussy and more satisfied, then things are working. Then go back to one side per meal every few hours. Some people say Sage Tea is good for overproduction. If you feel you have an overabundant supply of milk and you are healthy, consider donating your breast milk. You can go to the website http://www.hmbana.org. A tiny baby may benefit greatly from your generosity. In conclusion, overproduction can be relieved by the mother changing her breastfeeding pattern.Start by allowing the baby to finish one breast first. Express just enough breast milk for comfort. Consult a Lactation Consultant, such as myself, if you continue to have problems. We are trained to help you.