How to Deal With Milk Oversupply
Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC, Board Certified OB/GYN • January 2, 2019 • 5 min read
Most new moms and pregnant women have heard of low milk supply and have this as one of their top concerns when breastfeeding. However, having the opposite problem — making more milk than your baby needs — can actually cause just as much stress and frustration as having too little. This condition is known as oversupply and can present some challenges for moms and babies alike.
While it might sound like a blessing to have an oversupply of milk, it can often cause babies to have difficulty with nursing. Imagine trying to drink from a fire hose! These babies will often frequently pull off the breast to try to deal with the increased flow of milk and may cough or spit up excessively.
Moms with oversupply find it annoying in different ways. They may find that they continuously leak milk and stain their clothing, despite using absorbent nursing pads. They often feel very full and may be prone to mastitis and plugged ducts since their baby is not able to remove milk at the rate that their breasts are producing it.
Often, over time women with oversupply will find that their supply adjusts to their baby’s needs as long as they don’t worsen the problem by pumping frequently (some moms may do this for comfort, but really it sends the signal to your body to just make more milk!). But for those who don’t, there are some things that might help fix the problem:
Feeding from only one breast at a time will help your baby get all the milk he needs but will also help decrease your supply slowly to a more manageable level, since only one breast is being drained at a time.
Block feeding is when, for a few hours at a time, no matter how many times your baby wants to nurse, you only feed from one breast. At the end of that block of time, the other breast is used. This can help regulate your supply gradually over time.
Feed your baby in an upright position (such as the football hold) to give your baby more control at the breast, and allow her to pull off and rest when needed.
Avoid excessive pumping (some moms will do this in preparation for returning to work, only to end up with oversupply as a result).
If you or your baby is still struggling despite these measures, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant. Sometimes medications can be prescribed to decrease your supply, but this shouldn’t be done without careful evaluation and follow-up!
Sources:
- Riordan and K
- Wambach
- Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 4th edition.
Powered by Bundoo®
Download the Nabta App
Related Articles
Is Performing a C-Section Better Than Inducing Labour? [2024]
Is Performing a C-Section Better Than Inducing Labour, when it comes to giving birth, usually the preferred option is to let labour proceed naturally. However, there are times when it is not in the mother or baby’s interest for this to happen. When the health of either is at risk, or if gestation has exceeded [41 weeks duration,](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/doctor-tips-weeks-27-40/) then it is highly probable that an alternative strategy will need to be implemented. There are two options available, [inducing labour](../) or performing a [C-section](../). With an induction, the [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) is artificially stimulated to contract, and it is then hoped that labour will proceed as per a natural delivery. In contrast, a C-section is a surgical procedure, whereby a cut is made in the abdomen and the baby is removed that way, rather than via the [vagina](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vagina/). Sometimes the only safe option is to perform a C-section, for example if the baby is breach, or when an emergency situation arises. However, there are other times when you may be presented with a choice and if this happens, what is the correct answer? Unfortunately there is no definitive right answer. An induction can be at least as safe as spontaneous labour and, if performed in the week prior to the [due date](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/due-date/), it is thought to reduce [the risk of](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-is-preeclampsia/) [preeclampsia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/preeclampsia/) in the mother and respiratory distress in the child, possibly as a result of the [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/) remaining fully functional. Unlike C-sections, inductions are not surgical procedures and thus, if all goes to plan, the recovery period is shorter. It is however, a big ‘IF’. [Induced labours](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/induction-of-labour/) are typically more painful, meaning more women will request stronger pain relief including epidurals, and there is a greater likelihood of assisted delivery, such as the use of forceps or ventouse. There is also an increased [risk of hyperstimulation](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-is-ovarian-drilling/) of the [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/)., Uterine hyperstimulation causes more frequent, longer [contractions](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/contraction/), which can [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) to complications such as foetal heart rate abnormalities and, in rare cases, uterine rupture. In a significant number of women, induction does not work and a C-section becomes necessary. The advent of the C-section was undoubtedly a medical revolution, instantly saving the lives of millions of women and children. However, C-sections bring with them all the risks of regular surgery, including blood clots, wound infection and bleeding. The recovery period is typically longer after a C-section than after a natural birth, driving restrictions are enforced and a scar remains, although this will fade over time. Whilst current guidelines stipulate that an induction should only be performed when [the risks of continuing the pregnancy](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/complications-during-pregnancy-polyhydramnios/) outweighs the benefits, with more women than ever requesting elective C-sections, the World Health Organisation has highlighted an urgent need for medical assessment efforts to address the risks of induced labour compared to elective C-section. Until such work is undertaken, it becomes a matter of individual circumstance, personal choice and ultimately weighing up what is best for you and your baby. **Sources:** * Grobman, W A, et al. “Labor Induction versus Expectant Management in Low-Risk Nulliparous Women.” _The New England Journal of Medicine_, vol. 379, no. 6, 9 Aug. 2018, pp. 513–523., doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1800566. * WHO Recommendations for Induction of Labour. World Health Organisation, [http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44531/9789241501156\_eng.pdf?sequence=1](http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44531/9789241501156_eng.pdf?sequence=1). Accessed on 23/01/2019. * _Inducing Labour. Clinical Guideline \[CG70\]_. NICE (National Institute for Care and Health Excellence), July 2008, www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg70/chapter/Introduction. Accessed on 23/01/2019
When can Your Child eat Sushi and raw Fish?
Sushi is considered a healthy eating option and its popularity is growing in the US. Many parents wonder if it is safe for their young child to eat sushi and when they can safely introduce it in the diet. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no need to delay the introduction of fish or shellfish beyond [4-6 months](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/when-can-your-child-eat-sushi-and-raw-fish/) of age in healthy, low food allergy risk children. Specifics about whether the fish is cooked or raw are not made, and the assumption is that this stance reflects cooked fish and shellfish. The Food and Drug Administration ([FDA](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/fda-2/)) specifies that no raw fish or shellfish should be given to high-risk groups, highlighting very young children as one such group. At what age is a child no longer considered at high-risk? --------------------------------------------------------- A [child’s immune system](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/when-can-your-child-eat-sushi-and-raw-fish/) development is slow and steady during the first 2-3 years of life, and by age 4-6 years old, adult levels of immunity are seen. Your [child’s immune](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/can-daycare-build-your-childs-immune-system/) system continues to develop throughout [puberty](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/puberty/). Given this information, waiting until 5-6 years of age to introduce raw fish and uncooked sushi is the best way. This will ensure your child is defended against potentially harmful substances. Bacterial contamination is a threat to any temperature sensitive food and cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. [Food poisoning](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/how-to-avoid-food-poisoning-during-pregnancy/) symptoms are similar to the stomach flu, so they may be hard to detect. Asking questions about the quality of food and how it is prepared is good. However, taking care to eat at reputable restaurants that you trust can help prevent adverse reactions to contaminated sushi. US restaurants are required to use sushi that has been properly frozen and/or cooked to eliminate parasitic contamination. ##### Food allergies The [Food Allergy](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/4-ways-to-know-if-your-child-has-a-food-allergy/) and Anaphylaxis Network states that about 7 million people in the US have a reported seafood allergy. In addition to seafood allergy risk, Asian cuisine can often contain other allergens such as peanut, egg, tree nut, and soy ingredients. Raw or cooked sushi is typically assembled into a firm, round food. Sashimi is a raw piece of fish set atop a small amount of rice; it has a slippery texture. Both sushi and sashimi may present a choking hazard, especially for young toddlers. A child to eat sushi may also have a sticky texture that may be foreign to the child. Cutting cooked sushi into small pieces before serving it to your toddler can minimize the risk of choking. When it comes to raw sushi or sashimi, it may be best to leave it out of your child’s diet as they are young and building a strong immune system. However, there is no reason why your toddler can’t safely enjoy cooked or vegetarian Asian cuisine, with special attention paid to its ingredients. If you enjoy sushi and other Asian cuisines and want to pass this along to your child, think about alternatives to raw fish such as: Vegetable rolls ##### **Those containing only cooked fish and/or shellfish** * Rice bowls * Tempura * Soups * Salads * Stir-fry * Teriyaki The truth is that while food safety, allergies, and choking hazards should always be considered. There really is no consensus on an exact age that is appropriate to give a young child raw fish. By 5-6 years old, a healthy [child’s immune system](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/can-daycare-build-your-childs-immune-system/) should be strong enough to graduate to raw sushi with the rest of the family. No magical age, grade level, or number of exposures to sushi will prevent the occurrence of an illness from contaminated food. Good judgment and necessary precautions should always be in place. **Sources:** * U.S * Food & Drug Administration * Fresh and Frozen Seafood: Selecting and Serving it Safely. KidsSafe Seafood. Food Allergy and Anaphylactic Network. Powered by Bundoo®
Is it Safe for Toddlers and Children to eat raw Oysters?
Food-borne illnesses do not discriminate — anyone can become sick. Raw oysters have earned a reputation as a potentially dangerous food. Also, some groups of people have a [greater risk of serious illness](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-fish-oil-safe-for-children/) than others, including children. Eating raw oysters comes with the risk of being exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially life-threatening bacteria. Young children, those under 5 years of age, are more susceptible to food-borne illness because their immunity isn’t fully developed. Here are some facts you should know before you give your young child raw oysters: ##### What will happen if my child eats a contaminated oyster? In reality, allowing your [child to eat](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-it-safe-for-toddlers-and-children-to-eat-raw-oysters/) raw oysters might have zero consequences, no matter how many he or she eats. Unlike other bacteria, V. vulnificus cannot be smelled, seen, or tasted. There is no way to determine if the raw oyster is safe to eat. V. vulnificus cannot be killed by a lot of hot sauce, nor are you guaranteed safety by letting your child just try one or two oysters. If your [child eats a raw oyster](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-it-safe-for-toddlers-and-children-to-eat-raw-oysters/) that is contaminated with V. vulnificus, it is important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of food poisoning. In generally healthy people, V. vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can become worse and infect the blood (invasive septicemia) resulting in fever, chills, and septic shock. V. vulnificus is a serious cause for concern because about half of people who contract the blood infection die. If you are suspicious of food poisoning and/or your child has symptoms, get in touch with your healthcare provider, or even head to the ER. ##### What should I do? To be safe, you may want to hold off on feeding your child raw oysters for a few years, or at least until he or she is five years of age. If oysters are a staple in your household, or a special treat here and there, make sure to thoroughly cook a few for your little one to try. Cooking (prolonged exposure to high heat) is the only way to kill the bacteria and make sure you and your family will be safe. Get yourself a [coach](https://nabtahealth.com/product/conscious-motherhood-coaching-session/) and learn more. **Sources:** * Food & Drug Administration * Raw Oyster Myths. Powered by Bundoo®