Many new parents are surprised to learn that making too much milk can cause just as many challenges as not making enough. While it may seem like a “good” problem, oversupply (too much milk) and overactive let-down (milk comes out too forcefully) can lead to uncomfortable feedings—for both you and your baby.
What Does Oversupply Look Like?
Here are some common signs:
• Fussy or unsettled feedings: Your baby may seem restless, arch their back, or pop on and off the breast.
• Choking or coughing at the breast: Especially at the beginning of a feed, when your milk first starts to flow.
• Short but frequent feedings: Your baby fills up quickly but may be hungry again soon.
• Lots of spit-up or gas: These can be signs that baby is swallowing air or having trouble digesting the milk.
• Green, frothy stools: This may happen when baby is getting more foremilk (watery, low-fat milk) and not enough hindmilk (richer, high-fat milk).
• Sore or creased nipples: If your baby clamps down in an effort to manage the fast milk flow.
• Frequent engorgement, leaking, or plugged ducts: Your breasts may feel full again shortly after a feed.
Why Does It Happen?
Oversupply can happen for a few different reasons:
• Some parents just naturally make more milk.
• Pumping too often or too early can overstimulate your supply—especially if you’re pumping after each feed "just in case" or to build a freezer stash.
• Switching sides too quickly or always offering both breasts every feed can signal your body to produce more milk than needed.
• NICU routines or early pumping to feed a premature baby can create habits that keep milk volume high even after baby is home and feeding well.
How Does It Affect Baby’s Tummy?
When babies get mostly foremilk (the milk at the start of a feed), which is high in lactose but lower in fat, it can cause:
• Gas
• Loose or green stools
• Diaper rash
• Even bloody stools in some cases (due to irritation of the gut lining)
This is often mistaken for lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy—but it may just be a mismatch in milk composition caused by oversupply. The solution? Helping baby get more of the richer hindmilk by adjusting how and when you offer the breast.
What Can Help?
1. Adjust How You Breastfeed
• Feed from one breast at a time. Let baby stay on that breast as long as they like—even for multiple feeds if needed.
• Let baby decide when they’re done. Avoid switching sides too early.
• Burp often and hold baby upright after feeding.
• Try laid-back or upright positions: These help slow the flow of milk so baby can manage it more easily.
2. Manage the Forceful Let-Down
• Hand express or pump for 1-2 minutes before feeding to reduce that first gush of milk.
• If baby starts coughing or sputtering, gently remove them from the breast, let the flow slow down, and then offer again.
• You can also use your fingers (in a gentle scissor hold) to lightly compress the areola to slow the milk flow at the start of a feed.
3. Reduce Supply if Needed
If you’re consistently making more milk than your baby needs, and it’s causing issues, you can try block feeding:
• Choose one breast to feed from for a 3–6 hour block of time (or longer).
• Only feed from the other breast if it’s uncomfortable—just enough to relieve pressure.
• Alternate breasts for the next block of time.
This helps your body recognize that baby doesn’t need as much milk and naturally reduce supply.
What Else Can Help?
• Diet changes: Some babies may benefit if you reduce dairy or soy in your diet to support gut healing.
• Herbs like sage or peppermint (in tea or food form) have traditionally been used to reduce milk supply. Talk to a lactation consultant before using them.
• Medical options: In some cases, certain medications (like decongestants with pseudoephedrine) can help reduce milk supply—but always use under medical guidance.
Will It Get Better?
Yes. For many parents, milk supply regulates by 3–4 months, and your let-down will usually become gentler with time. With the right strategies, things typically become easier for both you and your baby.
Support Is Key
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Reach out to a lactation consultant, La Leche League Leader, or trusted healthcare provider. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and with a few small adjustments, feeding can feel much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.