As a breastfeeding mother, you may face a common challenge of oversupply issues. This occurs when your body produces more milk than your baby needs, leading to engorgement, discomfort, and sometimes even pain.
Oversupply can also lead to other problems like blocked ducts and mastitis. But don’t worry, there are natural remedies available that can help you manage your oversupply and make your breastfeeding journey a more comfortable experience.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best natural remedies for oversupply issues that you can try at home. From simple changes to your breastfeeding routine to herbal supplements and lifestyle adjustments, we’ll cover everything you need to know to tackle this challenge with confidence.
Table of Contents
Nurse on one breast per feeding
To implement this strategy, simply offer only one breast at a time during each feeding. Start with the last breast you nursed on and continue alternating between breasts for subsequent feedings. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep track of which breast was used last and ensure that both breasts are getting equal stimulation.
It may take some time for your body to adjust to this new routine, but over time, you should see a decrease in milk production. This method can also help alleviate engorgement and reduce the risk of developing mastitis.
Try block feeding
Block feeding is similar to nursing on one breast per feeding but involves offering the same breast for multiple feedings in a row before switching sides. This technique helps slow down milk production and can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with an oversupply issue.
To start block feeding, choose one side and nurse exclusively on that side for several consecutive feedings (e. g., 3-4). Then switch sides and repeat the process. You can alternate sides every 24 hours or every few days depending on what works best for you.
By limiting stimulation to one side, block feeding helps reduce overall milk supply while still allowing your baby to receive enough milk. However, it’s important to monitor your baby’s weight gain during this process as they may need more frequent feeds if they’re not getting enough from just one side.
Pumping before nursing
Another effective way to manage oversupply issues is by pumping before nursing. This technique helps remove excess milk from the breasts before starting a feed and prevents your baby from feeling overwhelmed by fast letdowns or too much milk flow.
To use this method, pump for a few minutes on both breasts until you feel some relief from engorgement or fullness. Then offer your baby the breast and continue nursing as usual. This technique can also be helpful if you need to relieve pressure before heading out without your baby.
Lactation consultant
If you’re struggling with oversupply issues despite trying these natural remedies, it may be time to seek help from a lactation consultant. A knowledgeable and experienced professional can provide personalized advice and support to help you manage your milk supply and ensure that your baby is getting enough milk.
A lactation consultant can assess breastfeeding techniques, create a customized breastfeeding plan, recommend appropriate supplements or medications if needed, and provide emotional support during this challenging time. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what steps to take next.
Adjusting nursing positions
The position in which you nurse your baby can also affect milk flow and production. When dealing with oversupply issues, try different nursing positions to see what works best for both you and your baby.
Some positions that may help reduce milk flow include lying down sideways (known as the football hold), reclining back while holding the baby above the breast (known as laid-back breastfeeding), or sitting upright with the baby straddling one leg (known as the cradle hold).
Applying cold compresses
Cold compresses are an easy way to alleviate discomfort associated with engorgement caused by oversupply issues. Simply wrap a cold pack in a clean cloth or use chilled cabbage leaves on each breast after feeding sessions.
The cool temperature helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the breasts while also slowing down milk production over time. Be sure not to apply too much pressure when using cold compresses as this could lead to further discomfort or blockages in milk ducts.
Drinking peppermint tea
Peppermint tea contains compounds that have been shown to reduce milk production and relieve symptoms of engorgement. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea after each feeding session can help slow down milk flow and provide relief from the discomfort associated with oversupply.
However, be aware that drinking too much peppermint tea can also lead to a decrease in milk supply, so use this remedy in moderation or consult your healthcare provider for advice on safe dosages.
Cabbage leaf compresses
Cabbage leaves contain compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with breast engorgement. Simply chill several cabbage leaves in the refrigerator before use and place them over each breast after feeding sessions.
Leave the leaves on for 20-30 minutes or until they become wilted. You may experience relief from pain or swelling caused by oversupply issues as well as a reduction in milk production over time.
Avoiding lactogenic foods
Lactogenic foods are those that are believed to increase milk production. If you’re dealing with oversupply issues, it may be helpful to avoid these types of foods temporarily to control your milk supply.
Some common lactogenic foods include oatmeal, fenugreek, fennel seeds, brewer’s yeast, and almonds. Limiting your intake of these foods may help regulate your milk supply and prevent further engorgement or discomfort.
Feeding on demand
One of the simplest ways to manage oversupply issues is by letting your baby nurse on demand instead of sticking to a strict schedule. When you allow your baby to nurse whenever they’re hungry rather than at predetermined times throughout the day, you’ll be better able to regulate how much milk is being produced overall.
By nursing frequently but for shorter periods at each feed, you’ll also keep up adequate stimulation while avoiding overly full breasts that could lead to further complications. Trust your baby’s instincts when it comes to feeding times and frequency – they know what works best for their own needs!
Reducing Stress Levels
Stress can have a significant impact on the body’s milk production, and oversupply issues are no exception. Therefore, one of the essential natural remedies for oversupply issues is reducing stress levels. As a breastfeeding mother, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and find ways to calm down amidst all the chaos.
One way to reduce stress levels is practicing deep breathing exercises regularly. Taking a few minutes every day to focus on your breath can help lower cortisol levels in your body and promote relaxation. Meditation or yoga can also be helpful in reducing stress levels.
Another way to reduce stress is by finding support from family or friends who understand your situation. Joining breastfeeding support groups where you can share tips with other mothers going through similar situations can provide emotional support and reassurance.
Furthermore, staying organized with a feeding schedule can minimize anxiety around nursing sessions while allowing for regularity in milk production.
Taking Warm Showers Before Nursing
Taking warm showers before nursing may seem like an unusual remedy for oversupply issues, but it has been proven effective among lactating mothers worldwide. The warm water helps relax breast tissue muscles that make milk expulsion easier during nursing sessions.
Warm water also assists in unclogging blocked ducts which could lead to engorgement if not dealt with properly. By taking warm showers before nursing, the chances of developing mastitis are significantly lowered since there are no blockages that could trigger bacterial growth within the mammary glands due to engorged tissue.
Massaging The Breasts Before Nursing
Breast massage stimulates milk flow by increasing blood circulation around the mammary glands which helps break up any clogged areas preventing adequate milk release during feeding sessions.
Using soft circular motions while massaging creates pressure that triggers letdown reflexes making it easier for babies to latch onto breasts resulting in smoother feeding experiences for both mom and baby alike!
Taking Sunflower Lecithin Supplements
Many lactating women recommend taking sunflower lecithin supplements to ease oversupply issues. Sunflower lecithin has been proven effective in reducing milk viscosity, which is often the leading cause of engorgement and clogged ducts.
Sunflower lecithin helps prevent mastitis by inhibiting bacterial growth within mammary glands due to its antimicrobial properties. It’s also an excellent source of choline that aids in brain function and development during infancy.
Using Breast Shells
Breast shells are designed to help relieve pressure on the breasts caused by engorgement or oversupply issues by providing relief from continuous leakage and discomfort caused by heavy breasts. The breast shell covers the nipple while collecting excess milk leakage into a storage container, preventing wastage.
However, it’s essential to empty the container regularly as stagnant milk could lead to bacterial infections or other adverse effects such as bad odor emanating from collected milk residue left for too long inside a breast shell.
Wearing A Supportive Nursing Bra
A supportive nursing bra can provide much-needed relief when dealing with oversupply issues. Being able to achieve proper posture during feedings reduces accidental tugging that could trigger letdown reflexes resulting in leaking breasts or overproduction of milk.
Nursing bras made from durable fabrics that offer optimal support such as cotton-based materials stay comfortable throughout the day whilst maintaining comfortability for mothers who are breastfeeding their young ones regularly without feeling uncomfortable.
Avoiding Nipple Stimulation
Oversupply issues can be worsened by frequent nipple stimulation outside feeding sessions because they tend to encourage more production causing further complications such as swollen mammary glands accompanied by painful lumps around breasts called blocked ducts if not addressed promptly.
Limiting Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is known for its stimulating effect on lactation hormones found in breastmilk, making it one of the major contributors to oversupply related problems amongst lactating women worldwide. Limiting caffeine intake is therefore an excellent natural remedy for oversupply issues.
Increasing Water Intake
Drinking adequate amounts of water helps keep the body hydrated, and a hydrated body produces more milk. Drinking water also helps flush out toxins that could contribute to blockages within mammary glands resulting in engorgement or bacterial infections such as mastitis.
Eating A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet rich in nutrients required for lactation hormone production can significantly impact breastmilk production. Eating nutrient-dense foods with high protein and low carb content creates a stable environment for hormonal release required for milk production, leading to better breastfeeding experiences and fewer oversupply-related complications.
Trying Homeopathy Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are an excellent option for women experiencing oversupply issues. They work by balancing the body’s energy levels and promoting healing from within. Popular homeopathic remedies include Phytolacca, which reduces swelling in breast tissues, Chininum Sulphuricum, which eases engorgement and pain in the breasts, and Pulsatilla Pratensis, which helps balance milk production.
When taking homeopathic remedies for oversupply issues, it’s best to consult with a qualified homeopath or lactation consultant who can recommend the right dosage based on your unique needs.
Avoiding Tight Clothing
Wearing tight clothing such as bras or tops can lead to clogged ducts and decreased milk flow. Instead of wearing tight-fitting clothes during breastfeeding sessions or when pumping milk from your breasts use loose-fitting clothing that allows proper ventilation.
By doing so will help improve blood circulation in your breast area leading to better flow of milk through open channels hence preventing clogging up ducts from occurring due to excessive pressure exerted on them by tight clothes.
Reducing Pumping Frequency
While pumping is an effective way to express excess milk supply if you find yourself overdoing it may lead to more problems than solutions. You should regulate how often you pump depending on how much extra supply you have. on average one should pump between 5-7 times per day depending on your baby’s intake. If you do not reduce the frequency of pumping, your breasts will produce more milk to keep up with the demand, which only worsens oversupply issues.
Taking Breaks from Nursing/Pumping
Taking a break from nursing or pumping if you experience any discomfort is vital as it helps prevent clogged ducts which leads to infections such as mastitis. Taking breaks allows your body ample time and space to regulate milk supply. Moreover, it also decreases risks associated with overproduction of milk and reduces stess levels associated with breastfeeding hence reducing fatigue.
Using a Hand Pump Instead of an Electric One
If you are experiencing oversupply, consider switching from an electric pump to a manual hand pump. The manual pumps help in controlling how much milk is expressed through regulating pressure exerted hence preventing overexpression but still get enough milk for your baby’s intake. A highly recommended one is the Haakaa Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump which uses suction instead of electricity.
Seeking Help from a Breastfeeding Support Group
Joining a breastfeeding support group can be helpful especially when things feel like they’re getting out of control. Breastfeeding groups offer advice on techniques that can assist in managing excess breastmilk production and provide emotional support. If you decide to go this way, ensure you join reputable organizations like La Leche League International (LLLI).
Using a Nipple Shield If Needed
Nipple shields are prosthetic devices used during lactation. They are placed over nipples while nursing to help draw out flat or inverted nipples, and reduce pain caused by soreness.
When it comes to oversupply; nipple shields act as barriers between your breasts and baby’s mouth decreasing the amount of milk transferred per suckle. This helps decrease stimulation leading reduced production of breastmilk. It should be remembered however that nipple shields may cause problems after prolonged use hence consult with lactation consultants before using one.
Trying Relaxation Techniques
Stress peaks hinder proper regulation of hormones responsible for lactation thus contributing to oversupply issues. It is therefore important to find and develop relaxation techniques that are effective for you. This can be anything from deep breathing exercises, to meditation, or going for walks to manage stress levels.
Cutting Back on High-Fat Foods
Foods high in fat disrupt the balance of protein in your breast milk hence contributing to oversupply issues. Try cutting back on high-fat foods like dairy products, fried foods, and fatty meats (such as beef and pork) which may help reduce excessive production of milk.
Trying a Natural Milk Suppressant Like Sage
Sage is a herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to suppress lactation. There are no adverse effects associated with sage consumption but it should be taken with caution when pregnant or breastfeeding since it acts as an abortifacient. Check with your doctor before choosing this method.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with oversupply issues can be challenging and overwhelming, but there are many natural remedies that can help ease the discomfort and provide relief. From adjusting breastfeeding positions to incorporating herbs and supplements into your routine, there are many options to explore.
It’s important to remember that each person’s experience is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to try different remedies and seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if needed. With patience, perseverance, and the right resources, it is possible to overcome oversupply issues and continue to breastfeed your baby successfully.
