What is hyperlactation and how do you manage it?
Lactation generally stabilizes and adapts to the baby's needs within six weeks of birth. After this period, lactation crises can occur, but milk production usually normalizes within a few days with good management.
Sometimes, a mother may experience an overproduction of milk during breastfeeding, called hyperlactation. This means there is more milk than the baby needs, and its flow is excessively fast. This can make breastfeeding difficult and prevent proper breast emptying.
What are the causes of hyperlactation?
The main causes of excessive milk production include:
-
Postpartum thyroid dysfunction
-
Excessive milk expression
-
Pre-existing hormonal imbalances
What are the symptoms of hyperlactation?
In hyperlactation, milk can flow so quickly that the baby coughs or chokes during feeding. Even if choking is not always due to overproduction, it can indicate hyperlactation if other causes are ruled out.
Other possible symptoms:
-
The baby bites the nipple to slow the milk flow
-
The baby pushes away from the breast
-
The baby who used to calm down or fall asleep while feeding now struggles to do so
-
Excessive weight gain – up to three times more
-
Frequent and abundant urination
-
Liquid, greenish stools with a sour smell
-
Digestive discomfort such as colic and bloating
The baby may wake up often due to hunger. This is because the foremilk, which flows quickly, is low in fat but rich in lactose. Although it is initially satisfying, it digests quickly.
Mothers may experience a feeling of full breasts, milk may spray from the unused breast during feeding, and breasts may become heavy and firm again soon after a feeding. Milk leaks can also occur between feedings.
What to do in case of overproduction of breast milk?
If you think you are producing too much milk, consult a lactation consultant as soon as possible. Early diagnosis allows for better management. Even small adjustments can improve breastfeeding comfort.
-
Try to breastfeed in a side-lying or semi-reclined position. This reduces the force of the milk flow.
-
Burp your baby frequently, even during feeding, every few minutes if necessary.
-
Try block feeding: for 3 to 5 hours or more, only breastfeed from one breast. To avoid engorgement or blocked ducts in the other breast, express a small amount of milk if needed. Applying cold compresses can reduce blood flow and slow production in that breast.
-
Before feeding, express 10 to 20 ml of milk to reduce foremilk and allow the fatter hindmilk to arrive sooner.
-
Drink herbal teas such as sage or mint in moderation, they can reduce milk production. Do not overuse them, as an excess can stop lactation.
-
If you use a breast pump and bottle-feed, try to reduce the frequency of pumping sessions.
When to consult a doctor for hyperlactation ?
If hyperlactation during breastfeeding is severe and home strategies are not enough, short-term hormonal treatment may be necessary. This must be prescribed and monitored only by a doctor.
Eva Kool
With 15 years of experience as a maternity assistant and mother of three children, I am truly passionate about the world of babies and baby care. At Difrax LOVI, I support professionals and specialized stores as a trainer and consultant, while also assisting the sales & marketing team. My goal is to share my expertise and provide parents with reliable and reassuring information for their baby's well-being.