Breastfeeding - too much milk
breastfeeding; milk; engorged; cabbage; express; expressing; flow; posture;
Contents
Sometimes babies struggle a bit at the beginning of a breastfeed if the milk flow is fast. Sometimes mothers seem to have more milk than their baby needs. If the suggestions here do not help you to sort out your concerns, seek help, so you can continue to breastfeed and have a satisfied baby.
The early days
When your milk first 'comes in' your breasts may feel very full, tender and hard (engorged), and sometimes you may have a mild fever. This is unlikely to be mastitis – but if you feel unwell always check with your doctor. (For more information have a look at the topic Breastfeeding – sore nipples and breasts.)
This can happen in the early days of breastfeeding because your breasts are able to make enough milk to feed more than one baby. This usually settles within a week or so. Keep feeding and your milk supply will settle down to match your baby's appetite. Your baby may learn how to breastfeed more quickly if she is not given dummies or bottle teats until feeding is going well and she is about four to six weeks old.
When the breasts are very full the nipple may not protrude as fully as normal and it may be harder for the baby to attach to the nipple properly. You will need to be careful to get the baby attaching well. Expressing a little milk to soften the areola (brownish area around the nipple) and the nipple before the feed might help. Have a look at the topic Breastfeeding – a new baby and ask for help if you are not able to get your baby well attached.
For your comfort
- Wear a bra that gives good support but does not cause pressure on your breasts.
- Try
- A heat pack, hot face-washer or a hot shower before a feed,
- A cold pack or cold face-washer after a feed,
- Cabbage leaves inside your bra between feeds.
- You could use some paracetamol for pain.
- Express some milk under the shower.
How to use cabbage leaves
Cold cabbage leaves may help your breasts feel more comfortable. Wash them thoroughly, then cut out the thick stem and cover your breast with cold leaves inside your bra, stem end down. Leave the nipple uncovered. Stop using cabbage leaves as soon as your breasts feel comfortable. Using them for more than a short time may decrease your milk supply too much. If you are weaning you might use them for a longer time.
Leaking Milk
Sometimes leaking milk is a problem when your breasts are full.
- Use absorbent nipple pads (not plastic lined ones).
- Wear dark patterned rather than light plain clothes as these do not show damp stains as much
After a feed
If you still have uncomfortably full breasts after your baby has finished feeding, you could express some milk from your breasts until they feel comfortable. Only do this when needed – not necessarily after every feed.
Some mothers find that their milk spurts out so that their baby is uncomfortable at the start of a feed.
- If the milk comes too fast for the baby at the start of the feed, express a little milk first, or take the baby off while milk is spurting out.
- Some babies can manage a fast flow if they are positioned above the level of the breast rather than below it. Here are some suggestions:
- Sit in a chair with pillows on your lap so the baby's head is higher than the breast
- Hold the baby in the 'football' hold (the baby in an upright position rather than lying across you).
- Lie down on your side to feed with the baby's head slightly higher than the breast
Babies may not take enough milk if the flow is too fast. If your baby is unsettled soon after the feed you could put your baby back to the breast to give some more milk. The flow may be slower after the breast has been partly emptied.
Lying down to feed with baby on top of you (posture feeding) is not a good idea, as your supply may decrease too much and it can cause pressure on the breast that could cause blocked ducts.
Resources
South Australia
- Parent Helpline- 24 hours per day, every day - 1300 364 100
- Your local Child Health Centre - see Locations for more information.
- Australian Breastfeeding Association
Helpline 1800 686 2 686 (1800 mum 2 mum) (24 hour service)
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
General
References
Australian Breastfeeding Association 'Breastfeeding information'
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
Brodribb W (2004) Breastfeeding Management (3rd Edition) Australian Breastfeeding Association.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.