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Making too much milk
Understanding oversupply, feeding patterns, and when to get help
Some parents make more breast milk than their baby needs. This is called oversupply. It can make feeding feel difficult for both you and your baby. The good news is that support and simple strategies can help.
Signs you are making too much milk
Your baby finds it hard to handle or swallow the fast flow and large amount of milk. They may make loud gulping, swallowing and choking sounds or pull off the breast.
Your baby finds it hard to settle or calm down in between feeding. They may wiggle, make noise, and find it hard to settle or stay asleep.
Your baby has more than 6 to 8 heavy/wet nappies each day and makes loud loose poo, over the 24-hour day.
Your breasts feel very full and sometimes painful.
If any these signs sound familiar, you may have an oversupply of milk.
What to do if you are making too much milk
Talk to your child and family health nurse, midwife or lactation consultant.
Feed your baby when they show hunger signs (responsive feeding)
Let baby empty one breast well before offering the second.
Offer the same breast at least twice before switching.
If your baby pulls off the breast after a few minutes, give them a break and return them to the same breast within the hour to see if they are still hungry.
These steps can help slow the flow and make feeds more comfortable for your baby.
Triple Feeding
Sometimes parents are told to do “triple feeding” if their baby is having trouble breastfeeding or not gaining enough weight.
Triple feeding means:
1. Breastfeed your baby
2. Express milk after breastfeeding
3. Give your baby extra milk (your expressed milk)
Triple feeding can help increase your milk supply and make sure your baby gets enough milk. But it can be very tiring and stressful.
If a health professional has told you to do triple feeding, please talk about the following points:
ask how long you should keep doing it
ask for support with breastfeeding and expressing
agree to make a plan so you know what to do.
You don’t have to do this alone. Talk to your child and family health nurse, family doctor, or lactation consultant for help and support.
Different feeding patterns
Cluster feeding
Some feeding behaviours are normal but can worry parents.
Cluster feeding is when your baby wants many short feeds close together, often in the late afternoon or evening. This is very normal, especially in the first weeks or during growth spurts.
It does not mean you do not have enough milk. It helps your body adjust to your baby’s growing needs.
Cluster feeding can be tiring. Try to:
- Rest when you can
- Eat and drink well
- Ask for help with housework or other children
Baby-led attachment
Baby-led attachment usually happens in the first hours after birth. When babies are placed skin-to-skin, they can find the breast using their senses and natural reflexes.
This helps babies latch well and start feeding in their own time.
When to Get Extra Help
If you are worried about:
Your baby’s feeding
Reflux symptoms
Weight gain
Your milk supply (too much or too little)
Talk to your child and family health nurse, family doctor, or lactation consultant. Getting help early can make feeding easier and less stressful.
Remember
Every baby and parent is different. Feeding challenges are common, and help is always available. You are doing a great job by asking for support.
