Struggling with Oversupply: Our New Routine

In the world of breastfeeding, we often discuss the concerns and issues of low milk supply, but seldom do we tackle the unique challenges of having an excessive milk supply. Yes, while it may be less common, oversupply is an issue many breastfeeding mothers face. That’s why we’d like to share our personal experience with this and how we’ve managed it, highlighting a breastfeeding technique known as block feeding. After all, it’s our goal to help as many mothers as we can navigate their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

Understanding Oversupply

Simply put, oversupply is when a mother produces more breast milk than her baby needs. While this may initially seem like a good problem to have, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and potential health risks for both mom and baby. Babies may suffer from frequent spit-ups, excessive gas, and fussiness, while mothers may experience engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis.

Organizations such as La Leche League and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby offer comprehensive resources and support for dealing with oversupply. We found these resources invaluable in our journey as well.

Discovering Block Feeding

Block feeding is a method used to manage oversupply. It involves feeding the baby from the same breast for several feeding sessions before switching to the other breast. Thus, over time, the unused breast reduces its milk production. Block feeding is a simple yet effective way to regulate supply.

We first learned about this technique from an article on the La Leche League International website. The method seemed very promising, so we decided to give it a try.

Our Experience with Block Feeding

The first few days of block feeding were challenging for us. Seeing an engorged breast can trigger the fear of mastitis or a blocked duct. However, we found it helpful to remember that these discomforts are temporary and are signs that the body is adjusting to the change.

• We noticed a reduction in spit-ups and gas in our baby. This was a significant relief and reassurance that we were on the right track.
• Slowly, our breasts began to feel less engorged, indicating that our milk supply was regulating.
• Block feeding also helped us streamline our feeding schedule, as we didn’t have to guess which breast to start from for each feeding session.

We also followed tips from a helpful guide on What To Expect that details managing oversupply and block feeding tips. It provided additional insights that made block feeding a feasible solution for us.

Complementing Block Feeding with Baby-Safe Practices

Alongside block feeding, we also made sure to maintain our baby-friendly practices. This includes ensuring our products and routines remained safe for our baby. We strictly used baby-safe cleaning products and constantly brainstormed ways to make our gatherings more baby-friendly. These practices provided an added layer of comfort and safety for our child.

Preparing Our Older Child for the Change

We also had a toddler to consider in our journey to regulate milk supply. It was vital for us to prepare our firstborn for the changes that block feeding would bring about. We shared tips on how to do this in a previous post about preparing for a new sibling. Communicating effectively with our toddler helped maintain a harmonious atmosphere at home during this transition period.

Using Medical Resources for Guidance

Despite the benefits of block feeding, it’s essential to approach it with caution and consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your breastfeeding routine. Numerous medical experts and organizations offer advice on how to handle oversupply. For instance, the WebMD, the Health Service Executive in Ireland, and Medela provided us with invaluable knowledge and support, and they can do the same for you.

Dealing with Potential Block Feeding Complications

While block feeding has helped us enormously, it’s only fair to mention that we did encounter some complications. For example, we needed to carefully monitor our baby for any signs of insufficient milk intake, such as fewer wet diapers, slow weight gain, or fussiness after feeding. Thankfully, we were equipped with insightful guides from reliable resources such as KellyMom.

• If you suspect that your baby is not getting enough milk, we recommend seeking advice from lactation consultants or healthcare professionals immediately.
• It’s also essential to take good care of your health to avoid complications like mastitis or plugged ducts. Regular pumping, warm compresses, and gentle massages can help relieve engorgement.
• Block feeding is not a quick fix and can take a few days to several weeks for your milk supply to adjust.

Combining Block Feeding with Other Techniques

Block feeding should not be the only tool in your arsenal when battling an oversupply. Combining it with other methods, such as expressing just a little milk before feeding to relieve pressure and prevent a forceful letdown, could provide more benefit.

In addition to block feeding, we also took steps to manage a fast milk flow that often comes with an oversupply. We discovered several useful positions that allowed our baby to breastfeed more comfortably despite the rapid milk flow. Positions like laid-back or reclining can help because gravity slows down the milk flow.

Providing Emotional Support is Key

Although the physical adjustments to block feeding come with their unique set of challenges, let’s not forget the emotional aspects. Caring for a baby can be draining, especially when you have to deal with breastfeeding complications on top of regular postpartum recovery. It’s essential to have a strong support network.

We found immense comfort and motivation from joining support groups and forums for breastfeeding mothers. Being able to share our struggles and achievements with others who could genuinely empathize reminded us that we were not alone in our journey.

Your Journey is Unique

Our experience with block feeding has taught us that everyone’s breastfeeding journey is unique. What worked for us may not work for everyone, and that’s okay. What’s important is to continuously learn and adjust according to your baby’s needs. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making major changes to your feeding routines.