Slowing Down Milk Production: A Guide
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1. Establish a Feeding Pattern:
- Treat the first breast as the “meal”: Let your baby nurse on this side until they’re satisfied.
- Treat the second breast as “dessert”: Offer it, but don’t push for this if baby is completely satisfied.
- Allow flexibility: If your baby wants to nurse only on one breast, that’s okay. Pump the other side only if needed.
2. Implement "Block Feeding":
- Choose a starting point: Pick a feeding to begin this process.
- Pump before feeding: About an hour before the feeding, pump both breasts until they’re soft.
- Nurse on one side: During the feeding, nurse only from one breast.
- Offer the same side: Within six hours, offer the same breast again.
- Alternate breasts: For the next six hours, offer the opposite breast for feedings.
- Express or pump if needed: If the un-nursed breast feels uncomfortable, gently express or pump to relieve pressure.
- Fully pump if necessary: If your breasts become too full, fully pump and start the process again.
Are you experiencing a true oversupply?
While it’s common for new mothers to experience some engorgement or discomfort during the early days of breastfeeding, true breastmilk oversupply is a more significant issue. Sometimes other issues may make things challenging in identifying a true oversupply, so it is important to work with a Lactation Consultant to look at your feeding journey as a whole.
Here are some key symptoms:
- Frequent and painful engorgement: Your breasts may feel very full, hard, and tender even after feedings.
- Leaky breasts: You may experience excessive milk leaking between feedings, even when your baby isn’t nursing.
- Rapid weight gain in your baby: If your baby is gaining weight too quickly, it could be a sign of oversupply.
- Frequent spitting up: Oversupply can lead to your baby spitting up more frequently due to the rapid flow of milk.
- Painful feedings: The fast flow of milk can sometimes be uncomfortable for your baby, leading to fussiness or refusal to feed.
- Mastitis: In severe cases, oversupply can increase the risk of mastitis, a painful infection of the breast tissue.
If you suspect you have true breastmilk oversupply, it’s important to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. They can help you manage the condition and ensure your baby’s needs are met.
3. Key Points to Remember:
- Staying at the same breast for multiple feedings can help slow milk production.
- This process triggers the “Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation” (FIL).
- FIL helps reduce milk production.
By following these steps, you can gradually decrease your milk supply while ensuring your baby’s needs are met.