Too much breastmilk?

Some people may be thinking, “Is there really such a thing as TOO MUCH breastmilk?” Although it is kind of the best problem to have, it can still be a problem. Our liquid gold is definitely not something to take for granted, but too much of anything will present with issues one way or another.

Possible issues with oversupply

Problem #1: Clogged ducts

Clogged ducts occur when there’s a blockage of milk in a duct or multiple ducts in the breast. Milk is therefore not being fully drained, and results in a painful lump on the affected area.

Solutions:

1) Heat- Take a warm shower or apply another form of moist heat to the affected breast, and hand-express milk while massaging from behind the clog all the way down to the nipple.

2) Nurse on it!- It’s important to empty that breast first when nursing, utilizing different positions, and ideally trying to get your baby’s jaw to align with the duct as much as possible.

3) Massage- Mobilizing and breaking down that blockage is the goal here, as you want that clog to pass through rather than remain stuck. Use your hands to massage as much as possible, and draw out milk with your strokes if you can. There are also little vibrating breast massagers you can purchase if yours tend to be extra stubborn.

4) Sunflower Lecithin supplements- This is something available on the market for those who suffer from recurring clogged ducts. Many people swear by it, so it’s something to consider if this is all sounding too familiar to you! As with anything, I'd always be sure to ask your doctor prior to starting any new supplements.

Problem #2: Mastitis

Mastitis is referring to an actual infection of the breast. It commonly occurs from clogged ducts that never get drained, or from something such as a crack in the nipple. The affected area may become red, swollen, and very painful, and flu-like symptoms can also appear.

Solution:

Address the source of the problem. If it’s a clogged duct, try out the remedies from above. However, please be seen by a doctor. You may need antibiotics to clear this one up!

Problem #3: Forceful letdowns

This can be problematic for your baby because it can lead to digestion issues, choking, and discomfort. Forceful letdowns may contribute to excess gas due to gulping, and extra spit-ups are also likely to present.

Solutions:

1) Soak in warm water first- A wise lactation consultant advised me to first soak my breasts in a bowl of warm water prior to nursing. While leaning your breasts into the bowl of warm water, massage them and hand express a little milk to get the “top off”. This helps to reduce your letdown without contributing to your oversupply, and makes it much more comfortable for your infant to nurse from. OK, I know, who has time for that when your baby is screaming and starving and wants to pop on at that exact second? No one has time for that, but I’m telling you, it helped me. I kept to it for a few days, had my amazing husband bring me my bowl of warm water and entertain the baby for a minute while I took care of business. Three days later, I didn’t need to do that anymore.

2) Hand express before feeds- This is basically the same concept, bringing out some of the milk first prior to having your baby latch.

3) Utilize breast with slowest flow first- Many women produce more milk in one breast vs the other, and may notice a difference in the flow of their breasts. If this is you, latch baby to the slower side first.

Note: Avoid pumping during this time, if you can. Pumping before feeding will only bring out more milk, and therefore contribute to your oversupply for the time being. Your body is trying to figure out how much milk your baby needs, so don’t trick it now….or you’ll be stuck soaking in your bowls forever! I’m kidding. Kind of.That being said, do not let yourself be miserable, and do not get mastitis. If you need to pump off a little for comfort and sanity, go for it!

Problem #4- Leaking

Leaking is one of those things that can happen anywhere, and it can be both messy and embarrassing. Save yourself the trouble and be prepared!

Solutions:

1) Breast pads- pop those into your bra so they can help keep you dry. In the beginning, the smallest things can cause leaking. You expect to look at your baby, hear your baby, or be ever-so-slightly grazed by your T-shirt the wrong way without soaking through it? Nope. Just wear the pads.

2) Feeding game plan- When your baby is feeding on the first breast, your second breast can tend to simultaneously leak everywhere. Have extra linen nearby such as burp rags or small towels to keep over the breast and salvage your shirt. Some women choose to use little cups and collect the extra drops for storage, and others use the Haakaa Breast Pump for collection purposes. I’m all about storing extra milk, just remember to try not to contribute to your oversupply if that is the case.

Problem #5: Too much foremilk

Oversupply can often result in your baby getting too much foremilk, the milk that comes out first and is mainly water along with other nutrients. For proper development, your baby also needs the hindmilk that comes after the foremilk. Hindmilk is high in fat and also essential for them to receive. Think of it as their dessert after dinner.If your infant gets full off of the abundance of foremilk, or you put them on the other breast too quickly because you want to relieve pressure, there’s a chance your baby is getting lots of foremilk and not enough hindmilk. Foremilk-hindmilk imbalance can lead to discomfort, GI upset, and changes in their stool.

Solution:

Make sure your infant spends enough time fully draining the first breast before offering the second. Also, try the other tips previously mentioned about expressing a little milk before having your baby latch on.

Storing Extra milk

Stay organized! Try to utilize it in different ways before it goes bad.

How long is it good for?

-Freshly pumped milk is good at room temperature for up to 4 hours, and good in the fridge for up to 4 days.

-Frozen milk is good in the deep freezer for 6 months to a year, but only good for 24 hours in the fridge once it’s been thawed. Please use it within an hour of being thawed after heating it up for feeding.

I am creating an entire post on my personal tips for storage and ideas to keep it organized. You do not want to throw out your hard work and precious gold. If you simply don’t have room for it, consider donating it! The NICU babies greatly appreciate it. I know it’s an extensive process to be cleared to donate, but you’ll be proud to know you’re helping other babies in need.

What is block feeding?

Please do NOT try this unless you are certain you have a true oversupply, as it is intended to reduce your output. Block feeding is referring to a block of time that your baby will nurse on a specified breast. For example, you can select a 4 hour chunk of time, say 7am-11am, and during that time your baby would only nurse on the left breast. It doesn’t matter how many times you nurse during that timeframe, it will only be the left side. Then you could dedicate the next 4-hour chunk to the right breast. Please be mindful that this can lead to engorgement and discomfort, and do not allow things to get out of hand and result in further clogged ducts or mastitis. This is simply a technique used to reduce your milk supply, but do it with caution and release some pressure if need be.

Last but not least, keep up with the good work! This can all be super exhausting, but the reward is grand. Your baby is blessed to be nurtured with their personalized liquid gold 💛