Too much milk in the early weeks

It’s common for your breasts to feel very full and leak a lot in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Some mums notice their milk comes too fast or that they seen to be making a large amount.

This can feel overwhelming. But over time, your supply usually settles as your body learns how much milk your baby needs. For most mums, this happens by around 6 weeks.

In the early weeks, simple approaches are usually enough to help your supply adjust.

• Feed your baby when they show feeding cues, rather than by the clock. Most breastfed babies feed 8 to 14 times or more in 24 hours.
• Let your baby finish the first breast before offering the second. They may only take one side, or just take a small amount off the second side.
• Some feeds may be longer, some shorter. Follow your baby’s lead.
• Hold your baby against your body and check they’re well attached to help them manage the flow.
• Express only enough for comfort if needed. Removing more milk than necessary can encourage your body to keep making extra.
• Avoid using a silicon milk catcher that collects large amounts, as these can increase supply. 

Some babies find it hard to manage the milk flow at the start of a feed. Your baby might pull off, cough or splutter as they try to keep up.  

it can be uncomfortable when your breasts feel very full. You might find it helps to:

• Offer the breast often, following your baby’s cues
• Express one or both breasts just enough for comfort
• Wake your sleeping baby for a feed.
• Wear a comfortable, supportive bra that isn’t too tight.
• Keep using strategies for engorgement. 

In the early weeks, many mums experience leaking during or in between feeds. Leaking is a sign that your breasts are making and releasing milk. Some breasts leak more than others. You may feel very self-conscious, especially when going out. 

For some mums, the ‘too much’ signs continue longer than 6 weeks. Your breasts might still feel very full. Your baby might still be struggling with the flow. Your supply may not yet have adjusted and you continue to make too much milk. This is sometimes called having an oversupply. 

You might notice:

• Your breasts continue to fill quickly and often feel uncomfortable or lumpy.
• Your baby still can’t manage your fast milk flow.
• They continue to only need one breast at most feeds.
• Your baby has at least 8 heavy, wet nappies in 24 hours.
• Your baby still does a poo with every feed (or even more often), and it may be green, frothy, or explosive.
• They consistently gain more weight than expected.
• They may be very unsettled for a lot of the day. However, this can happen without an oversupply. There are many reasons for your baby to be unsettled.  

If you think you may have an oversupply, there are gentle ways to help manage your supply and make feeds more comfortable for you and your baby. Seeking support from a breastfeeding counsellor or health professional can help you to clarify whether or not you have an oversupply and to find strategies that work for your situation.

Making more milk than your baby needs at first is a usual part of getting breastfeeding started. It can feel like a lot to manage, but things often improve as your supply settles and your baby grows and adapts.

Even if your breasts feel overfull or your milk flows quickly, your baby may still be feeding well and getting what they need. 

If feeding feels uncomfortable or isn’t improving, support from a breastfeeding counsellor or health professional can help you find what works for you.