Oversupply and forceful letdown are a topic that many women struggle with, but few talk about. This topic tends to be taboo in the breastfeeding world for a couple reasons. First of all, mamas who have over supply are often able to pump high volumes of milk even after nursing baby exclusively all day. In fact, even mamas who respond well to pumping won't pump as much as most oversupply mamas (.5-2 oz TOTAL for the entire pumping session is normal and typical for a mama who nurses baby exclusively). Because normal pumping output is such a source of anxiety for most moms, mamas with oversupply may feel like they are hurting other mama's feelings or boasting if they talk about their high pumping output. This is also an issue because there is so much misinformation about what low supply truly is, mamas with oversupply are often overlooked and told to be happy you can produce so much milk.
Oversupply is a large issue. In fact some moms mistakenly think they don't make enough milk when in fact they make too much! Some of the big signs a mom may have a forceful letdown or oversupply are:
- milk sprays when baby unlatches during a letdown
- milk pours out babies mouth when nursing
- baby chugs milk during the letdown
- baby pills off sputtering/gasping during a letdown
- baby clamps down when nursing or clicks when nursing
- excessive spit up and gas
- bright green (lime green) foamy stools
- baby refuses to nurse.
- baby gains weight very quickly
It is important to note that not all moms who have a strong letdown have an oversupply. It is possible to have a strong letdown without oversupply.
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| A mom doing laid back nursing |
Another option is to latch baby on until letdown, then unlatch baby and allow the forceful spray to go into a towel or bottle for storage. Then, latch baby back on. You can also try hand expressing until letdown, let the spray go into a bottle for storage, and then latch baby on. Both of these methods will stop that initial strong letdown.
If you have tried these methods and are still struggling, you can consider block feeding. It is important to note you should work with an IBCLC before beginning block feeding. Block feeding can be a lifesaver for a mom with oversupply, but as the result is lower milk supply, you need to be sure that you have true oversupply. Block feeding should not be done for your entire nursing relationship. Typically once your supply has established (about 2-3 months) you would resume offering both breasts each nursing session.
Block feeding is offering only one breast each nursing session. There are many "ways" to block feed, and working with an IBCLC can help determine the best method for you. Many moms have a set amount of time where they nurse on one breast, typically starting with 2 or 3 hours. In this time frame every time baby nurses mom would offer the right breast, then switch to the left breast for 2 - 3 hours. Another option is to rotate breasts each nursing session. 1 nursing session on the right breast, the next on the left. Working closely with an IBCLC to monitor baby weight gain is vital.
Remember: If you have a strong letdown or oversupply pumping is NOT recommended. Pumping can actually make the situation worse as you are stimulating your breasts to make more milk. Some women hyper respond to a pump so just one short pump session a day can throw everything off.
Also remember that after your baby hits a growth spurt its normal for you to have some oversupply for a few days. The growth spurt is your baby telling your body it needs more milk. Typically after a growth spurt things level off again quickly.
If you do have oversupply and end up with a lot of milk in the freezer that you don't need, consider donating through Human Milk 4 Human Babies Global Network or Eats on Feets or even to a friend or family member who may be in need. It's truly an amazing gift to give a mama with true low supply or other breastfeeding difficulties. Families who are adopting are also looking for breastmilk donations. So please keep this in mind if you choose to pump off your extra supply.
http://www.llli.org/faq/
http://kellymom.com/pregnancy/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
