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Oversupply and Colic
Some mothers have too much milk. This wouldn’t seem like a problem, but in reality it can cause many problems. When mothers have too much milk, their babies don’t get enough of the hind milk that comes at the end of a feeding. This can lead to gas, bloating, explosive green stools, and persistent diaper rash in babies. In mothers, it can cause chronic engorgement and mastitis. Some mothers produce too much milk because of hormonal imbalances in their bodies. Others are just really good at producing milk. Most of the cases, however, are caused by certain breastfeeding practices. Making sure the baby nurses on both sides at every feeding, timing the feedings, taking unnecessary supply-building herbs, or pumping unnecessarily can cause overproduction. |
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Block feeding
Oversupply can be caused by switching sides too frequently. It can also be decreased by switching sides less frequently. When milk builds up in the breasts, chemicals are sent to the brain telling the body to produce less milk. Mothers can nurse their babies on one side exclusively for 2 to 4 hours before switching to the other side. The milk building up in the unused side will help send the signal to the brain that the body needs to produce less milk and the baby will be able to get the hind milk from the breast that is being used. Block feeding can be started by first completely emptying both breasts so baby can access the hind milk right away and mother’s unused side will be less painful. Cold Compresses Cold compresses can be used to ease the pain of engorgement and help slow milk production. Cold cabbage leaves will further slow the production of milk; however, they should be used wisely because they may slow the flow too much. |
Additional Information
Breastfeeding & Colic: How breastfeeding can affect colic. Can Breastfed Babies be Overfed?: What to do about feeding the screaming baby. |