Understanding Oversupply
When There’s Too Much of a Good Thing: Understanding Oversupply
Breastmilk is often described as the perfect food for babies and it truly is. Sometimes, a mother’s body produces more than her baby needs, leading to a condition known as oversupply or hyperlactation. While it might sound like a positive problem to have, oversupply can be stressful for both mother and baby causing feeding challenges, discomfort, and even emotional distress. Understanding what causes oversupply, recognising the signs, and knowing how to manage it can make all the difference.
(An evidence-based guide for parents by The Healthy Child Co.)
What Is Oversupply?
Oversupply happens when the breasts make more milk than the baby requires. This can be due to hormonal factors, stimulation patterns, or misunderstandings or over emphasise about supply and demand in the early weeks of feeding. Most commonly, it occurs in the first few months postpartum when supply is still regulating but for some parents, it can persist beyond that stage. In true oversupply, milk production exceeds the baby’s intake even with frequent feeds, leading to engorgement, leaking, and fast milk flow that can make feeding uncomfortable or overwhelming for the infant.
Causes of oversupply
Oversupply can have several contributing factors:
Frequent pumping or expressing
When milk is removed too often (for example, through double pumping between feeds), the body interprets this as increased demand and ramps up production.Switch feeding too frequently
Changing sides every few minutes can overstimulate both breasts. Instead, letting the baby finish one breast before offering the other helps regulate production.Hormonal sensitivity
Some mothers naturally have more prolactin receptors or heightened sensitivity to prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.Early feeding advice
Sometimes, well-meaning advice to “feed every two hours no matter what” can inadvertently cause oversupply, as milk production responds to stimulation rather than a set schedule.Galactagogues or supplements
Certain herbal teas or foods (like fenugreek) can increase supply, occasionally tipping the balance too far.
Signs of Oversupply
For the parent:
Breasts that feel constantly full, hard, or painful
Leaking milk between feeds
Frequent blocked ducts or mastitis
A strong, fast let-down reflex (you may see milk spraying when your baby unlatches)
For the baby:
Coughing, spluttering, or pulling off during feeds due to fast flow
Gassiness or fussiness during and after feeding
Green, frothy, or explosive stools (from consuming more foremilk than hindmilk)
Frequent, short feeds, baby may feed often but seem unsatisfied
Poor weight gain or rapid gain followed by plateau (if feeding becomes inefficient)
Managing Oversupply (Without Reducing Supply Too Much)
The goal is to bring milk production in line with your baby’s needs, not to suppress it entirely. Small, gradual adjustments work best.
1. Block Feeding
Feed from one breast for a set period (for example, 2-3 hours), then switch to the other side for the next block. This allows one breast to become full, signalling the body to slow production.
Evidence shows that block feeding can be effective for managing hyperlactation when used under professional guidance (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 2020).
2. Positioning Matters
Feeding in a laid-back or reclined position can use gravity to slow milk flow, making it easier for your baby to manage and reducing nipple pain.
3. Gentle Hand Expression
If you’re engorged, express just enough to feel comfortable, avoid excessive drainage unless needed, as this can stimulate more milk production.
4. Cold Compresses
Cold packs or chilled cabbage leaves (applied for short periods) can help soothe inflammation and reduce swelling.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Pumping
Unless expressing for a missed feed or relief, avoid regular pumping, which perpetuates oversupply.
6. Monitor for Mastitis
Because milk stasis (trapped milk) can increase the risk of infection, watch for redness, pain, or flu-like symptoms and seek medical advice early.
7. Seek Specialist Support
Every mother-baby dyad is unique. An IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) or a unicef baby friendly trained professional can help tailor a plan to reduce supply safely while protecting your feeding relationship.
The Emotional Side of Oversupply
Oversupply isn’t just physical, it can feel emotionally draining. Some mothers describe it as being “drowned in milk.” Babies who choke or refuse the breast can make parents feel rejected or anxious, leading to guilt or frustration.
It’s important to remember:
You haven’t done anything wrong.
Oversupply is manageable with the right support.
Your baby’s behaviour is a response to flow, not to you.
Responsive feeding, watching your baby, not the clock, remains key. Over time, supply almost always regulates naturally.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, recurrent blocked ducts, or your baby seems distressed or unsettled at most feeds, it’s worth seeking professional support.
Contact:
A Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Your local Infant Feeding Team, Health Visitor or GP
The National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212)
These professionals can assess whether true oversupply is occurring and guide safe adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is a dance between your body and your baby a delicate balance that takes time to find. If you’re dealing with oversupply, know that it’s a common, treatable issue. With gentle adjustments and the right guidance, most parents find equilibrium within a few weeks. Remember: your comfort matters too. Supporting your own wellbeing is just as important as nourishing your baby.
Need More Support?
We offer support and one to one coaching. If you’d like guidance that’s evidence-based and parent-friendly, check out our 1:1 coaching.
References
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (2020). ABM Clinical Protocol #32: Management of Hyperlactation. Breastfeeding Medicine, 15(7), 431–435.
Kent, J.C. et al. (2016). Breastmilk production in the first 4 weeks after birth of term infants. Nutrition Reviews, 74(8), 553–563.
NICE. (2021). Postnatal care up to 8 weeks after birth (NG194).
WHO. (2023). Breastfeeding Counselling: A training course. Geneva: World Health Organization.
Riordan, J., & Wambach, K. (2019). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Infant Feeding Network (UK). (2023). Managing fast let-down and oversupply.