Oversupply: A Blessing or a Curse?

Oversupply is a hot topic that has been lighting up my comment section lately. It all started with a recent video where I talked about the worst ways to increase milk supply. One comment really stood out, and so many of you chimed in with your own experiences, so I thought—why not explore this together? Let’s chat about this!

(This blog post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

The Comment That Sparked It All

One mom shared her story: she started off with a great milk supply, pumping and nursing like a pro. Then, a lactation consultant (LC) told her she was making too much milk for just one baby and suggested cutting back on pumping sessions. She followed the advice, but… her supply plummeted. Panic set in! She quickly went back to her original routine and, thankfully, her supply returned. Phew!

Now, before we dive in, let’s talk about why this resonates with so many of you. I’ve seen countless comments saying things like, “Same here!” or “I wish I knew how to get my supply back!” So, let’s break this down.

What’s the Deal with Oversupply?

First off, let’s get something straight: oversupply sounds like a dream come true, right? You’ve got more milk than your baby can drink, extra to stash in the freezer, maybe even enough to donate! But, oversupply isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. It comes with its own set of challenges, especially if you’re primarily feeding at the breast rather than pumping.

Oversupply can lead to:

  • Clogged ducts (ouch!)
  • Mastitis (double ouch!)
  • A baby who’s struggling to feed due to an overwhelming letdown
  • Constant pressure to manage all that extra milk.

Why LCs Sometimes Recommend Cutting Back

Now, let’s circle back to this mom’s situation. Why would a lactation consultant recommend cutting back on pumping when she had a great supply? This comes down to how LCs are trained. We’re all about biological breastfeeding and ensuring baby is getting what they need straight from the breast. An oversupply can sometimes cause problems for babies feeding directly, like getting too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk, which can upset their little tummies.

Here’s the tricky part: LCs don’t always get a lot of training in pumping. Pumping creates different dynamics than breastfeeding alone, and managing an oversupply for someone who’s both nursing and pumping can be a delicate balance. That’s why it’s super important to communicate your goals and situation clearly with your LC or healthcare provider.

Why Oversupply Isn’t Always the Goal

Here’s something that stood out to me in the original comment: the fear of a low supply was driving this mom to maintain an oversupply. And I totally get it—there’s a ton of talk out there about low supply, and it can be super scary to feel like you’re not making enough for your baby. But building an oversupply out of fear? That’s where things can get a little tricky.

Oversupply can make life harder, especially if you’re exclusively feeding at the breast. Constantly managing that extra milk means you don’t get a break. You have to pump or hand-express frequently to avoid clogs, and there’s always the risk of developing mastitis if things get backed up.

When Oversupply Might Make Sense

For some moms, though, a slight oversupply can be a good thing—especially if you’re a working mom who’s pumping regularly or exclusively pumping. Having a little extra milk on hand can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re relying on the pump to maintain your supply while away from your baby. In those cases, oversupply might actually help you reach your breastfeeding goals.

But here’s the thing: it has to be intentional. If you’re building an oversupply, you need a game plan to make sure it doesn’t come with unnecessary stress or complications.

Finding the Balance

So, what’s the takeaway? Oversupply can work for some moms, but it’s not the golden ticket for everyone. If your goal is to maintain an oversupply, that’s totally cool—just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Talk with your LC about your goals, whether it’s to stock up on milk for returning to work or just to have a bit of a buffer.

And if you’re feeling pressured to pump because of a fear of low supply, take a deep breath! Trust your body and the process. Most of the time, your supply is just right for your baby’s needs. And if you ever run into a hiccup, there’s support out there to help get things back on track.

It’s All About YOU

At the end of the day, it’s your journey and your goals that matter. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping. What worked for this mom might not work for another, and that’s okay! Listen to your body, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to seek out help if you need it.

If you’re worried about oversupply, low supply, or anything in between, remember—there’s always room for a second opinion. You know your body and your baby better than anyone, and finding the right balance is key. You’ve got this!

Meet Allison Tolman, LPN, IBCLC!

She is the owner and founder of New Little Life, a company dedicated to providing objective information and support for pumping mothers. With 15+ years of experience in various pregnancy and postpartum fields including as an LPN, birth doula, childbirth educator, and IBCLC, her current research focuses on testing and exploring breast pumps to find the most practical way to help pumping mothers reach their goals as well as teaching lactation professionals to better understand the complex art of pumping. 

She runs a long-term coaching program to support working mothers who are pumping

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