On paper, having plenty of milk when you're breastfeeding your baby sounds like a dream. But when you're literally overflowing continuously to the point of drenching everything around you, breastfeeding can become chaotic. In addition to the difficulty of maintaining a social life, hyperlactation has repercussions on the infant. but there are solutions exist to control it and even turn it into something positive!
Recognizing hyperlactation
Many breast-feeding mothers experience leakage of breast milk, particularly when the milk comes in. With hyperlactation, you've reached a whole new level in terms of overflowing milk! Sometimes, this overabundant production is associated with a Strong Ejection Reflex (FER).
Signs in the mother
- You're constantly engorged.
- You need to change your clothes several times a day, as the milk is constantly flowing.
- A geyser of milk appears during feeds (in the case of REF).
Consequences for your baby
- Your baby swallows very quickly while you feed him.
- You notice milk spilling out of his mouth, as he cannot swallow everything that comes in.
- He is agitated during feeds and seems unable to manage the quantity of milk.
- He shows discomfort or even pain in the digestive tract.
- His stools are green, because he's drinking too much "starter" milk.
If you recognize your breastfeeding in these elements, you probably have hyperlactation, perhaps coupled with a REF. Your "milk factory" is in overdrive! While this can make for some very funny situations, it does complicate your breastfeeding and your postpartum period. It's important to understand why your body produces so much milk, and how to regulate this abundance.
Why do you overproduce milk?
In some cases, hyperlactation is purely physiological. You have to accept this and find solutions to simplify your breastfeeding.
However, it can also be linked to factors such as :
- Sucking problems in the baby. In this case, the mother's body compensates for the baby's difficulty in sucking by producing large quantities of milk.
- Over-stimulation. For fear of running out of milk, or because they have been given inappropriate advice, some women over-activate their lactation and can find themselves in a situation of hyperlactation.
- Pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperthyroidism. Lactation is hormone-dependent, and hormonal imbalances can lead to excessive production.
Whatever the cause of your hyperlactation, the consequences for you and your baby can jeopardize the breastfeeding you desire. Good news: we're going to share with you some ways of controlling it all!
How can I control my hyperlactation?
Generally speaking, if you feel that your breastfeeding is not flowing smoothly, we recommend that you seek help from an IBCLC lactation consultant. These human lactation professionals take the time to assess your situation in a comprehensive and holistic way. Because if your hyperlactation is not physiological, you'll need to explore solutions to treat the cause and not just the consequence!
While you're waiting for your appointment, here are a few tips to help you manage your daily breastfeeding.
- Avoid over-stimulating your milk supply. To do this, avoid galactogenic foods. You should also be aware that breast shells and nursing pads tend to induce lactation by constantly straining the nipples. An absorbent bra is much more suitable..
- Relieve engorgement for your own well-being and to prevent complications such as mastitis. Manual expression is preferable, as it soothes without stimulating.
- Make feeding easier for your little one by softening the areola before putting it in your mouth. You can also observe his first signs of wakefulness, so that you can feed him when he is calm.
- If you have a REF, reclining postures inhibit the power of the jet, which can make feedings more comfortable for you and your baby. The she-wolf position (on all fours above the baby), although not very compatible with breastfeeding in public, is also recommended to avoid geysers!
Turning my hyperlactation into an asset!
At Mama Hangs, we have a positive vision of motherhood! Having too much milk can have its drawbacks, but it also has its advantages. We've listed a few for you:
Pump your overflow to build up reserves
This way, you can entrust your baby to your care without worrying about him going hungry in your absence. If you feel the need, taking time out for yourself will help you get through the post-partum period more serenely.
Donate your milk!
Why not let premature babies, for whom breast milk is indispensable, benefit from your wonderful milk production? To find out more about donating milk, read this article!
Use it to care for your baby
Did you know that breast milk has many virtues? Moisturizing and healing, you can apply it to your skin, your baby's skin and even that of the whole family! From scratches and irritated bottom to cracks and conjunctivitis, you can use it to treat a whole host of ailments.
Cook it up!
Yoghurt, ice cream, purées, it can be used in a variety of recipes. Ideal for incorporating into baby's first dishes when he's being looked after and won't take a bottle!
Take care of yourself 🥰
What could be better than hyperlactation to equip yourself with our "Day n' Night" nursing bra. ? Comfortable, waterproof, absorbent and leak-proof, its design suits all breastfeeding women, but especially those with an overflow of milk! It's the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and and test them out. As one of our customers would say, "Day n' Night is as soft as a cuddle!" Stock up on swaddle that will useful in all circumstances !
We hope this article has provided you with information and advice on how to cope with hyperlactation. Don't hesitate to share it with future and new mothers around you!
📢To find out more about breastfeeding, we suggest you listen to the Milkshaker podcast which deals with all the issues facing breastfeeding mothers.