As a mother who breastfeeds I fully understand that having too much milk supply brings both benefits and difficulties.
During my newborn son’s early life I dealt with milk engorgement and discomfort along with blocked ducts.
Breastfeeding can become stressful because it doesn’t only cause physical discomfort.
Through experimentation I discovered several natural methods which helped regulate my milk supply and made breastfeeding easier.
Here’s what worked for me and might help you too:
Table of Contents
Nurse on one breast per feeding
Feeding from a single breast each time proves to be both straightforward and successful.
The practice allowed me to lessen my breast fullness while my body adjusted its milk production levels.
Pro tip: To remember which breast you last nursed from use a wrist hair tie for easy tracking. Your milk supply needs time to settle into the right levels.
Try block feeding
During intense situations I used block feeding which required me to use one breast for several feedings before I switched to the other breast.
The most effective approach for me was to do the block feeding routine for half-days.
The method decreased my milk supply while simultaneously preventing blocked milk ducts.
Monitor your baby’s weight and hydration levels to ensure they receive sufficient milk.
Pumping before nursing
To relieve painful fullness in my breasts I pumped for about 2-3 minutes before nursing.
I used this method to protect my son from being overwhelmed by fast milk flow.
Avoid pumping too much because your body will respond by producing additional milk.
Lactation consultant
Connecting with a lactation consultant made all the difference when I didn’t know the next steps to take.
Personalized tips and reassurance from them gave me the confidence I needed to persist.
Contact someone when you feel trapped because reaching out is important when you’re stuck.
Adjusting nursing positions
Breastfeeding positions significantly affect how milk flow is managed during nursing sessions.
The laid-back breastfeeding position naturally reduced milk flow which helped prevent my son from choking during letdowns.
Nighttime breast feeding became more manageable when I used the side-lying position which also lowered discomfort from engorgement.
Explore different options until you find the nursing position that works best for both you and your baby.
Applying cold compresses
Cold compresses became my go-to after feedings.
For relief after nursing sessions I placed a gel ice pack inside a soft cloth and applied it to the area for 10 minutes.
At times I applied chilled cabbage leaves to manage discomfort but always remember to wash them gently beforehand.
The cooling sensation provided significant relief and effectively decreased swelling.
Drinking peppermint tea
I discovered that peppermint tea served as an unexpected remedy which helped me.
After feeding my baby in the evening I drank a warm cup which helped regulate my milk supply in a subtle way.
Keep your peppermint tea consumption moderate because excessive amounts can lead to a drop in your milk supply beyond your desired level.
Cabbage leaf compresses
During peak engorgement episodes chilled cabbage leaves worked like magic.
For about 20 minutes I held cabbage leaves on my breasts until they started to wilt.
The cabbage leaves not only reduced swelling but also appeared to diminish the sensation of tightness.
Avoiding lactogenic foods
My milk supply surged when I included oatmeal and almonds in my diet.
After I stopped eating oatmeal and almonds my supply stabilized.
When you have an oversupply situation it’s advisable to temporarily stop consuming lactogenic foods such as fenugreek and brewer’s yeast.
Feeding on demand
This was a game-changer. I let my son nurse whenever he felt hungry instead of following a fixed schedule.
My milk production stayed controlled because short, frequent feeds prevented my baby from becoming too full.
Reducing Stress Levels
Stress definitely made things worse for me.
I began practicing deep breathing exercises during moments of calm which led to noticeable positive results.
The online breastfeeding support group I joined saved me by showing me I wasn’t alone in this experience.
Whenever possible take breaks for short moments like having tea and support from family members contributes significantly to your well-being.
Taking Warm Showers Before Nursing
It may seem basic but taking warm showers before nursing completely changed my experience.
Warmth relaxed my breast tissue which facilitated the natural flow of milk during nursing sessions.
The warm showers prevented occasional blockages from developing into painful problems.
Bonus: Taking time for a warm shower provides precious “me-time” during the hectic demands of motherhood.
Massaging The Breasts Before Nursing
Massaging breasts gently before nursing improved milk letdown and stopped painful blockages from forming.
I applied soft circular motions which moved toward the nipple to release any tight tissue areas.
Both my baby and I found nursing much more comfortable and effortless.
Taking Sunflower Lecithin Supplements
After beginning sunflower lecithin supplements my experience with clogged ducts became less frequent.
By thinning out the milk it reduced blockages.
I appreciated that sunflower lecithin supplies natural choline which promotes brain development for infants.
Consult your healthcare provider before you start using any supplements.
Using Breast Shells
Breast shells became my lifesaver when my breast leaks were relentless.
The breast shells protected my clothes from leaks and lessened nipple soreness by relieving pressure.
Empty breast shells regularly to prevent stale milk buildup that leads to bacterial growth.
Wearing A Supportive Nursing Bra
The combination of comfort and support in a nursing bra significantly improved my breastfeeding experience.
Choose nursing bras made of breathable materials such as cotton.
Proper bra fit helps prevent accidental pulling and excessive compression which could cause unwanted letdowns or increase breast engorgement.
Avoiding Nipple Stimulation
I learned this one the hard way.
Your body can start producing more milk than your baby requires when you stimulate your nipples frequently through activities like pumping or by wearing tight clothing.
Concentrate on breastfeeding and restrict additional stimulation methods to regulate your milk supply.
Limiting Caffeine Intake
This one was difficult for me since I love coffee but cutting back on caffeine resulted in a noticeable change.
Consuming caffeine can elevate lactation hormones which leads to oversupply problems.
Moving to decaf and herbal teas maintained my morning routine without giving up my ritual.
Increasing Water Intake
I discovered that while water intake is necessary I should avoid drinking too much.
Moderate hydration enabled smooth operations without producing excess output.
Choose hydration based on your thirst signals instead of consuming unnecessary extra fluids.
Eating A Balanced Diet
My dietary success depended heavily on adhering to a balanced intake of essential nutrients.
My diet consisted of high-protein foods and healthy fats along with complex carbohydrates while I avoided sugary snacks.
My balanced diet maintained stable hormones which supported my milk production levels.
I made lean meats, leafy greens, and nuts fundamental parts of my diet because they pack a lot of nutrients.
Trying Homeopathy Remedies
I doubted homeopathy initially but found relief from breast swelling using Phytolacca under a homeopath’s supervision.
When milk supply became overwhelming Pulsatilla Pratensis appeared to reduce the flow effectively.
Consult a professional expert to customize these remedies according to your specific requirements.
Avoiding Tight Clothing
Through difficult experiences I discovered tight bras should be completely avoided.
They triggered clogged ducts and increased discomfort.
Changing to loose nursing bras with good ventilation created noticeable improvements by enhancing circulation and eliminating extra pressure.
Reducing Pumping Frequency
The temptation to pump when feeling uncomfortably full exists but I discovered that pumping too much only exacerbated the issue.
My body adapted to produce milk properly when I limited my pumping to essential moments of the day which were only 3-4 times.
Taking Breaks from Nursing/Pumping
My body needed time to stabilize milk production when I took breaks during sore or overwhelming periods.
Stopping painful clogs and easing the feeding or pumping tension became possible through this approach.
Using a Hand Pump Instead of an Electric One
My pumping experience improved significantly when I switched from using an electric pump to a manual hand pump.
I gained better control over my milk expression which prevented overstimulation but still allowed me to relieve engorgement.
Seeking Help from a Breastfeeding Support Group
I found practical tips and emotional support through a La Leche League group where I connected with other moms.
The reassurance I received from hearing someone tell me “I’ve been there too” was incredible.
Using a Nipple Shield If Needed
The nipple shield proved beneficial for me during the times I experienced sore nipples and oversupply issues even though I did not require one for extended use.
My baby experienced a reduced milk flow from this and I received relief.
Just use them under the guidance of a lactation consultant to avoid prolonged issues.
Trying Relaxation Techniques
My milk supply fluctuated significantly because of stress.
My calmness improved and my hormone levels stabilized when I practiced deep breathing exercises along with short walks or guided meditation sessions.
Cut Back on High-Fat Foods
I noticed my milk supply became more stable when I ate fewer heavy fatty foods such as fried snacks and dairy products. I
chose lighter meals that were lean and noticed they improved my energy levels as well.
Trying a Natural Milk Suppressant Like Sage
A gentle reduction in milk production occurred when I sipped warm sage tea during the evening with no negative side effects.
Consult your doctor before using this method if you are pregnant.
Final Thoughts
The stress of handling oversupply can be intense yet multiple natural remedies are available for you to try.
What matters most is discovering the method that your body responds to best.
Combine different approaches as needed and seek assistance from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider when necessary.
Your baby deserves the best because every breastfeeding journey is different and you’re giving them excellent care.
