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"How to build supply" gets much more attention, but oversupply can also be a challenge for moms. This is especially true in the early weeks when hormone shifts and cluster feeding can drive up your supply beyond what baby consumes. This can be hard for both mom and baby because it can cause engorgement and an overactive letdown. Some signs of oversupply: large weight gain in baby, baby has explosive green poops, baby chokes or gags at the breast, breast refusal, and consistent profuse leaking. As always, an IBCLC can help you identify the cause and come up with a personalized approach to addressing it.
Oversupply is uncomfortable but tends to regulate on its own if you continue nursing on demand
Avoid adding pumping sessions after nursing sessions
Express some milk by hand for relief; this also makes it easier for baby to latch
A manual or gentle suction pump can also work
Avoid "emptying" breast with pump as this can backfire by prompting a cycle of increased production
A fast letdown can cause baby to guzzle or gag and pull off breast
Let down first into hand pump, milk collector, or burp cloth; then latch baby as flow slows
Recline while you nurse to work against gravity
Engorgement can be uncomfortable for you and make it hard for baby to latch
See Cheat Sheets on engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis
*Try in consultation with IBCLC and only if baby has been gaining weight well over the first month
Restrict baby to one breast for 3-5 hour block of time before offering other side for the next 3-5 hours
Do this for a few days to a week
This allows breasts to stay full longer, signaling body to slow production
