You can’t have too much of a good thing- right? Well, not necessarily.

While having an abundant milk supply is certainly a positive attribute, having an OVERSUPPLY can often come with its own set of challenges. Unfortunately, when a mother voices her concerns about having an oversupply, it is not uncommon for her to be dismissed by family, friends, and sometimes even medical professionals.

So if you or someone you love is currently struggling with an oversupply, here are 3 common misconceptions to keep in mind.

“It’s a good thing.”

From constant leaks to forceful let downs and even an increased risk of complications such as mastitis, when it comes to milk production, more isn’t necessarily better. Unless your goal is to donate your excess milk or build the freezer stash of your dreams, having an oversupply can add a layer of complication to your nursing journey and shouldn’t be dismissed as a “good thing.”

Breastfeeding operates on a system of supply and demand, so ideally, your body should be producing breast milk at or around the same rate in which your baby or child is consuming it. However, producing too much OR too little breast milk isn’t ideal and should never be dismissed when a mother voices her concerns.

“Large Breasts Produce More Milk.”

Your breast size is determined by how much fatty tissue your breasts are comprised of. Therefor, the larger your breasts, the more fatty tissue they contain. However, breast milk is produced from the glandular tissue within the breasts- NOT fatty tissue. Therefore, larger breasts are NOT to be blamed for an oversupply. In fact, oversupplies can occur in any lactating mother, regardless of cup size.

“Pumping More Can Relieve An Oversupply.”

Yes and no. While pumping may give you temporary relief by draining your breasts, you are also signaling your body to produce even more breast milk which will continue the cycle of oversupply. Therefore pumping out excess milk will not resolve an oversupply and can even make it more prominent.

Do you or someone you know need help managing your oversupply? Do not hesitate to reach out for help! We here at Latched Mama have on-staff certified lactation consultants who would be happy to assist you, free of charge!