Hyperlactation: Managing an oversupply of breastmilk

Medically reviewed by Karrie Stevenson, RN, IBCLC

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Breastfeeding is typically understood as a supply-and-demand system, where your body produces the precise amount of milk your baby requires. But, what if your supply exceeds the demand? If you have persistent leaking, uncomfortable letdowns, or a baby who struggles to latch due to a rapid milk flow, you might be experiencing hyperlactation, or an oversupply of breastmilk.

While "too much milk" may sound like a good problem to have, hyperlactation can lead to various difficulties for both you and your baby. These include colic symptoms, watery breast milk, breast discomfort, and frustration during feedings. The good news is that oversupply can be effectively managed with appropriate strategies and support.

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What Is hyperlactation?

Hyperlactation syndrome, also known as oversupply, is when your body makes more breast milk than your baby needs. Producing too much milk can lead to significant breast discomfort, an overwhelming pumping/nursing schedule, and feeding challenges for both parent and baby.

In an ideal feeding situation, your  milk supply matches your baby’s needs. But in hyperlactation, your body overshoots the mark, either due to hormone shifts, frequent stimulation, or an imbalance in feeding practices.

Hyperlactation signs & symptoms in parents

If you’re experiencing hyperlactation, your body may feel like it’s working overtime. One of the most common signs of hyperlactation is a painful or forceful letdown. You might notice your milk spraying or gushing as soon as your baby begins to nurse. Even after a full feed, you may still feel engorged or leak frequently, which can be both uncomfortable and inconvenient. Some parents develop plugged ducts or even mastitis, as excess milk backs up in the breast tissue. 

It’s also common for one breast to produce significantly more milk than the other, especially if feeding patterns are uneven. With a fast milk flow, your baby may have trouble staying latched or using the breast for comfort, which can make nursing feel more like a chore than a bonding moment. Physically managing a supply that feels out of sync with your baby’s needs can leave you feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed.

If you're experiencing hyperlactation, you may notice:

• Painful or forceful letdown
• Frequent leaking or engorgement
• Plugged ducts or mastitis
• One breast producing significantly more milk
• Fast milk flow
• Fatigue and frustration 

Hyperlactation signs & symptoms in babies

Babies who are feeding from an oversupply often show signs that something isn’t quite right. They might seem gassy, fussy, or exhibit colic-like symptoms, especially shortly after feeds. Because the milk comes out quickly, your baby may choke, cough, or pull away during letdown, struggling to keep up with the flow. Diaper changes might reveal green, frothy, or watery stools, which can be a sign they’re getting too much foremilk (the more watery milk at the start of a feed) and not enough hindmilk (the richer, fattier milk that comes later). 

Despite nursing often, some babies may even experience slower weight gain if they’re not getting enough of that fatty hindmilk to support growth. You may also notice frequent spit-ups and extra gassiness, as their little digestive systems try to handle larger volumes of milk taken in too quickly.

Babies nursing from an oversupply may show signs of:

• Colic-like symptoms
• Choking, coughing, or pulling away 
• Green, frothy, or watery poop 
• Poor weight gain 
• Gassiness and frequent spit-ups 

What causes hyperlactation?

There are a few different reasons your body might start producing more milk than your baby needs. Sometimes it’s hormonal. Elevated levels of prolactin, the hormone that drives milk production, can tip your supply into overdrive. In other cases, it’s related to how often the breasts are being emptied. Pumping frequently in the early weeks, especially beyond what your baby is eating, can overstimulate your body and lead to an oversupply. 

Sometimes, despite doing everything “by the book,” your body may just make too much milk on its own, no clear trigger, just biology doing its thing.

How common is hyperlactation?

It is difficult to determine exactly how many parents experience hyperlactation, because the supply typically self-regulates within a few days or weeks as your supply naturally adjusts to meet baby’s needs. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine suggests 36.6% of breastfeeding parents report overly full breasts within the first two weeks. Symptoms generally persist into the first 6-12 weeks postpartum in a much smaller percentage of patients.

How to manage hyperlactation

If you’re dealing with an oversupply, know that it is possible to find new balance. With a few adjustments, it’s possible to regulate your milk supply without compromising your breastfeeding journey. Below are some gentle, evidence-based strategies you can try to help reduce discomfort, improve feeding for your baby, and give you more peace of mind.

1. Block feeding

Feed from one breast for a set block of time (e.g., 3 hours) before switching to the other. This allows one breast to drain fully while signaling the body to slow production. Block feeding can reduce supply over time while ensuring baby gets more fatty breastmilk.

2. Avoid over-pumping

Pumping too often, especially early on, can overstimulate supply. Only pump for comfort when necessary (e.g., to relieve engorgement), and keep sessions short.

3. Use gentle pressure

Apply cool compresses after feeds and wear a supportive bra. Avoid tight bras or binding, which can increase your risk of plugged ducts or mastitis.

4. Positioning adjustments

Feed in laid-back or reclined positions to slow the flow of milk and give baby more control during letdown.

5. Hand expressing

If you’re engorged but trying not to increase supply, hand express just enough to soften the breast before feeds. This makes latching easier without telling your body to make more milk.

How to decrease milk supply without getting mastitis

If you need to intentionally reduce supply, it is vital to do so gradually to avoid triggering inflammation. With this slow and steady approach and a little support from a lactation consultant, you can ease your body into a lower supply safely and comfortably. An IBCLC might recommend that you:

• Drop one pumping or feeding session every few days
• Use cold packs and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve discomfort
• Consider herbs like sage or peppermint (after consulting your provider)
• Wear cabbage leaves inside your bra briefly to reduce swelling

Halting breastfeeding too rapidly can lead to clogged ducts or mastitis. Slow and steady changes to your feeding schedule is key to finding balance.

How to relieve engorgement without increasing supply

When your breasts are uncomfortably full, it's tempting to pump for relief, but in the case of hyperlactation, that can make the problem worse. These simple techniques can help ease the pressure without telling your body to make even more milk:

• Apply cold compresses to the breasts between feeds to decrease inflammation
• Take a warm shower or gently massage before feeding to ease letdown
• Hand express just a little milk to soften areolas for better latching
• Try reverse pressure softening to relieve swelling near the nipple. Use your fingers to apply light but steady pressure around the base of the nipple for 60–90 seconds to shift fluid back into the breast, softening the nipple and areola without removing milk, so it doesn’t increase supply. You can use one or both thumbs, or several fingers in a circular pattern, depending on what’s most comfortable.

Hyperlactation FAQs

Q: Can I have too much foremilk and not enough fatty milk?
Yes, it’s possible. Foremilk is the thinner, more watery milk that comes out first during a feeding, while hindmilk is the richer, fattier milk that comes later as the breast drains. When your supply is high, or baby switches sides too quickly, they may fill up on foremilk without getting enough hindmilk, which can lead to gassiness, green frothy stools, and discomfort. 

Q: Does block feeding reduce supply permanently?No, block feeding doesn’t reduce your supply permanently, it simply helps your body adjust to your baby’s actual needs. By nursing from one breast for a set period of time (a "block"), you’re signaling to your body to slow down production on the unused side. Over time, this can help bring an oversupply back into balance. If your baby’s needs increase later on (like during a growth spurt), your milk supply can ramp back up in response. It’s a flexible approach designed to regulate, not shut down, milk production.

Q: Can I dry up breast milk completely if needed?Yes, if you’re weaning or need to stop lactation, there are safe ways to dry up breast milk slowly to avoid complications. Always taper gradually and monitor for signs of mastitis, and consult an IBCLC for support. In certain cases, medication can be used to prevent or stop lactation. 

Q: Should I use both breasts during a feed?Not always. Letting baby finish one breast before switching ensures they get a full mix of foremilk and hindmilk, and helps regulate supply.

Q: Why is one breast producing less milk?It’s common to have a “slacker boob.” Breast tissue varies, and one side might naturally produce less. This isn’t usually a concern unless it’s causing latch or supply issues.

If you suspect hyperlactation is making nursing harder instead of easier, trust your instincts. Oversupply can be just as frustrating as low supply, and managing it is about balance, not perfection.

For expert care, consider scheduling a session with an IBCLC-RN or who can create a personalized plan to support your feeding goals.

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