A NON-PROFIT, COMMUNITY-BASED CENTER

The Breastfeeding
Resource Center (BRC)
is a nonprofit corporation
committed to providing
expert clinical and educational breastfeeding services. BRC is a 501(c)(3) corporation eligible for tax-deductible donations.

FAQs: I have too much milk!

 

Most mothers make too much milk and during the first few weeks of their baby’s life mom’s body tones down the supply naturally.  Some mothers continue to make too much milk.  This can cause breastfeeding concerns with both mother and baby.   

Oversupply symptoms for mother may be:  

• Mom’s breasts always seem full  
• Mom’s breasts leak milk   
• Recurring plugged ducts   ls
• Recurring mastitis    
• Sputtering at the breast when the milk begins to flow 

Oversupply symptoms for baby may be:

• Above average weight gain
• Gassy, fussy baby
• Explosive stools
• The desire to nurse "all the time"
• Sputtering at the breast when the milk begins to flow

Luckily there are easy and quick management techniques that will decrease your supply.  If your baby is gaining normally, this plan could create an “under” supply.  A full consultation at the BRC will help to determine your specific needs. 

• Nurse your baby on one breast per feeding.  If your baby seems to be hungry before the next feeding (2-3 hours), continue to offer the same breast.  At the next feeding, offer the other side only.  Continue this plan for 3 days. If symptoms persist, call the center for a follow-up appointment.
• Burp baby frequently during the feeding.
• Pacifier use.
• Some moms find that drinking mint tea may gradually decrease milk supply.  Sage tea reportedly decreases milk supply dramatically, so use with caution.
• Feeding while the baby is in the prone position.  Let gravity work for you!

Due to your large milk supply, the breast that is not being used during a particular feeding may feel uncomfortable or engorged.  The comfort measures for this concern are: 

• Ice packs between feedings to reduce swelling
• Express only enough milk so that your breasts are not painful to the touch. 

Go Back