Do I have an oversupply of milk?

What is oversupply?

Also known as hyperlactation, oversupply occurs when your body produces more milk than your baby actually needs; this can sometimes cause discomfort for both you and your baby. 

signs for the parent

• Breasts that feel full or engorged even after feeding
  
• Frequent milk leakage or spraying between feeds
  
• Persistent clogged ducts, breast pain, or nipple soreness
  
• A forceful let‑down (fast milk ejection reflex)

signs for the baby

• Difficulty maintaining their latch: arching away, pulling off, stiffening
  
• Gulping, coughing, choking or sputtering during feeding
  
• Fussiness, gas, green/frothy or explosive stools
  
• Spitting up often

Why does oversupply happen?

• Overproduction may be ecouraged by frequent pumping or over‑expression
  
• Baby’s latch or feeding technique may not remove enough milk
  
• Occasionally it’s linked to hormonal or medical conditions like thyroid issues or a prolactinoma

How to manage it:

• Consult a Lactation Consultant to rule out underlying issues before trying to reduce your supply 
  
• Feed responsively, following your baby’s hunger cues rather than rigid schedules

• Adjust your baby’s position and attachment to help manage fast milk flow – try a ‘laid back position’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diuGQhbjC6s
  
  
• Avoid over‑pumping: if you have to express, only express enough to relieve discomfort; don’t empty the breast fully 
  
• Try block feeding: offer only one breast per feed for a defined period (e.g. 2–3 hours) to gradually signal your body to slow milk production (it is suggested to do this with the support of a Lactation Consultant so as not to over-reduce supply, or risk blocked ducts or mastitis) https://nancymohrbacher.com/blogs/news/block-feeding-dos-donts
  

 Comfort measures:

• Use cold compresses between feeds to reduce engorgement and swelling. Some people find cold cabbage leaves soothing.
  

Oversupply can be tricky, but many families manage it well with gentle adjustments: responsive feeding, massage techniques, occasional block‑feeding, and comfort measures, with specialist support as needed.