Hyperlactation Syndrome, or breast milk oversupply, can overwhelm new mothers and affect babies. Recognizing symptoms early and using effective strategies can help manage discomfort and ensure better breastfeeding experiences.
Frequently new mothers find themselves struggling with an unexpected challenge: an overproduction of breast milk. On the surface, this might sound like a good thing—after all, we’re often told that more milk equals better nourishment for the baby. But in reality, Hyperlactation Syndrome also known as hypergalactia (or breastfeeding oversupply) can bring real challenges, both for the mother and her baby. It occurs in early lactation and may affect in successive pregnancies.
Recognizing the Signs — for Both Mother and Baby
The first step to managing this condition is to know what to look for. Most mothers with hyperlactation report a constant feeling of breast fullness or heaviness. Their breasts may feel painfully swelled, and they often leak milk between feeds—sometimes soaking through multiple layers of clothing. Another common issue is plugged ducts—painful, tender lumps that, if not relieved, can develop into mastitis , a breast infection that brings swelling, redness, and flu-like symptoms.
One of the more distressing aspects of hyperlactation is the overactive letdown reflex. The milk comes out with such force that it can feel more like a firehose than a gentle stream. This can make feeds stressful and uncomfortable—for both mother and baby.
Babies, of course, feel the effect. Many struggle to latch or stay latched because of the fast flow. They may choke, cough, sputter, or come off the breast frequently, looking frustrated or overwhelmed. After feeds, they’re often gassy and fussy—symptoms that are sometimes mistaken for colic. A key clue is in the diaper: green, frothy stools suggest that the baby is getting too much foremilk (which is lower in fat) and not enough hindmilk (the richer, more filling milk that comes later in a feed). Despite long or frequent nursing sessions, some babies don’t gain weight as expected because they’re not getting the nutrients they need from the milk imbalance.
Managing Oversupply: What Actually Helps
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, know that there are ways to bring things back into balance. One of the most effective techniques is block feeding —offering the same breast for a few hours at a time, instead of switching sides with every feed. This helps reduce supply on the overproducing side while giving your baby access to more of the higher-fat milk.
Laid-back breastfeeding positions can also help, especially if you’re dealing with a forceful letdown. Reclining slightly and letting the baby feed from above slows the flow and gives the baby more control. Some mothers find relief by hand expressing or pumping just a little milk before feeding, softening the breast and reducing the intensity of that initial spray.
Comfort measures also play a role. Warm compresses can relieve engorgement which is the painful swelling of breasts, primarily due to the overfilling of milk, and supportive bras can ease discomfort throughout the day. It’s worth noting that increasing your fluid intake beyond your natural thirst doesn’t improve milk supply—and in some cases, it can worsen oversupply. Just stay hydrated in a balanced, reasonable way.
When to Ask for Help
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to manage this on your own. If the discomfort persists, or if you’re dealing with repeated bouts of mastitis, ongoing pain, or concerns about your baby’s weight gain, it’s time to speak with a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can work with you to fine-tune feeding strategies and ensure nothing else contributes to the problem.
Breastfeeding, like many other parts of early motherhood, rarely goes as planned. Hyperlactation is exhausting, physically and emotionally; it is tough to go from thinking breastfeeding is supposed to be easy to feeling overwhelmed by stress. But with the right knowledge, support, and mindset, hyperlactation can be managed. You are not alone in this- you do not have to go through this alone.
Oversupply is a hurdle, not a failure. With care and guidance, a calmer, more comfortable breastfeeding experience is entirely within reach—for both you and your baby.
Article by- Dr Poojashree K S ,Consultant – Department of Obstetrics &Gynecology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru