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Too much milk in the early weeks

Engorgement, spraying milk, full breasts - it can take some time for your breasts to settle down. 

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In the early weeks of breastfeeding, some mums may make more milk than their babies need or can easily cope with. You may feel that your breasts are huge, they leak a lot, your baby is getting too much or your milk comes too fast. You may experience one, two or all of these things.  

It can take about 6 weeks for your breasts to settle down to making the right amount of milk for your baby's needs and this is normal. 

Ways to help your supply adjust

  • Feed your baby according to need, rather than to a set schedule. It’s common for breastfed babies to feed more than 8 times in 24 hours.

  • Let your baby finish the first breast before offering the other, rather than timing your feeds. 

  • Get to know your baby’s feeding cues. If you know when baby is ready, you can feed before your breasts become too full. 

  • Wake your baby for a feed if your breasts get full and uncomfortable. 

  • Express a little only for comfort if you need to. It may also help your baby to attach properly if your breasts are very full.  

  • Avoid using a silicone milk catcher. These can remove an unnecessary amount of milk from your breast, which contributes to the large supply

  • Check your baby is well attached to the breast.

  • Continue with tips to manage engorgement 

  • Avoid giving your baby formula or any other fluids (including water).  

What if it still doesn't settle?

If the situation continues after about 6 weeks, you may have what is called an 'oversupply' of milk. You may notice: 

  • Your breasts continue to fill quickly and often feel lumpy and tight. 

  • Your baby may gag and gulp at the start of a feed, if you also have a fast let-down

  • They might continue to be full after only one breast. 

  • Your baby may continue to bring up milk at the end of the feed. 

  • They gain a lot of weight quickly. 

  • They may be extra fussy between feeds, especially in the evening. 

  • Your baby is doing more than the usual number of heavy wet nappies. 

  • They are still doing a poo with each feed (or even more often) and it may be green and frothy and possibly also explosive. 

If you think you may have an oversupply, there are ways to manage feeds that can help. 

 

© Australian Breastfeeding Association February 2023 

Read more about too much milk

Evidence-led info and practical tips from our Breastfeeding Information Series

Breastfeeding: and your supply

Supply booklet