Tips for Managing Excess Breast Milk: Recovery, Storage, and Solutions
Nicole Butera, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
This blog was written in paid partnership with Dr. Brown's.
When it comes to breast milk, many assume that "more is better," but that is not always the case. While having an abundant milk supply can be a blessing for some, an oversupply can lead to discomfort, challenges, and even health complications in your breastfeeding journey. If you find yourself struggling with excessive breast milk, rest assured that there are ways to manage the situation effectively while ensuring your breastfeeding experience remains positive!
When Does It Become a Problem?
Excessive breast milk can lead to physical discomfort and health complications if not addressed. Common issues include clogged ducts, painful engorgement, and in severe cases, mastitis—a painful breast infection caused by blocked milk ducts. Mastitis can result in fever, chills, and a tender, swollen breast, making prompt attention essential. If you're experiencing these symptoms or find your oversupply negatively impacting your breastfeeding routine, it's important to take proactive steps to address the issue.
To Pump or Not to Pump?
You may have heard that breast milk production operates on a "supply and demand" principle: the more milk removed, the more your body produces. For many mothers, pumping can seem like an obvious solution to relieve engorgement or manage oversupply. However, pumping isn't always the first or best approach to resolve overproduction.
One effective technique is gently massaging the breast to alleviate the stiffness or "pebble-like" texture caused by engorgement or clogged ducts. This approach not only helps with milk flow but also soothes breast tissue without overstimulating milk production. Additionally, reverse pressure softening can be beneficial, a technique that applies gentle pressure to the areola to soften the area and encourage milk flow.
Applying ice packs can also be an effective way to manage discomfort and inflammation caused by excess breast milk. Always use a cloth barrier to protect your skin and apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time. Heat therapy, such as a warm compress or a quick warm shower, can be another tool to help soften breast tissue before a feeding or expression session. Following heat application with a cold compress can reduce inflammation and maintain comfort.
Another highly effective tool is therapeutic breast massage, which can improve milk flow and comfort. This massage should be done gently, moving from the outer areas of the breast toward the nipple to encourage the milk to flow through the ducts.
If other methods aren't providing adequate relief, you might consider using a breast pump like the Dr. Brown's Customflow Double Electric Breast Pump. However, it's essential to pump cautiously to avoid signaling your body to produce even more milk. Instead of fully emptying your breasts, try pumping just enough to relieve pressure. Over-pumping can exacerbate the problem by encouraging your body to increase milk production.
Alternatively, hand expression can be a pump-free way to relieve engorgement. You can collect the milk in a clean bottle or cup for storage, giving you a way to save the milk without overstimulating your supply. Hand expression is especially useful when you need quick relief and don't have access to a pump.
Calming Down the Excess Milk
The best way to approach excess breast milk while trying to "calm it down" would be to follow your baby's feeding cues and breastfeed on demand (as long as everything is going well and your baby is growing as expected). This natural regulation allows your body to gradually adjust its milk production to align with your baby's needs.
If engorgement occurs between feedings, you can revisit the relief techniques outlined above. Over time, your milk supply should stabilize to match your baby's appetite. If you later decide to increase your supply (for example, to build a freezer stash), you can easily do so by adding a pumping session or two after your baby feeds.
Storing and Options
If you find yourself with an abundance of milk, storing it for future use is a great option. Proper storage not only preserves the quality of your milk but also ensures it's safe for your baby when needed. The CDC recommends the below guidelines for breast milk storage:
- Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
- In the refrigerator, milk stays fresh for up to 4 days if stored at the back of the fridge, where the temperature remains most consistent.
- For longer-term storage, breast milk can be frozen for up to 6 months, though it remains acceptable for up to 12 months in some cases.
When storing breast milk, use clean, BPA-free breast milk storage bags or containers. Always label each with the date and the amount of milk it contains. Avoid overfilling bags to prevent leaks during freezing and thawing. It's safe to combine milk from different pumping sessions as long as they’re within the same storage timeframe.
What to Do With Stored Milk?
If you're wondering what to do with stored milk, you have a few options. You can use it for bottle feeding, creating a backup supply for emergencies or even donating it to a milk bank to help other families in need. Donating breast milk is a meaningful way to make a positive impact, especially for preterm babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Final Thoughts
Dealing with excess breast milk can feel overwhelming, but remember: you're doing an incredible job as a mom. Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and learning to navigate challenges like excess milk is part of your story. Whether you're calming down your milk supply, storing your precious liquid gold, or simply providing for your baby's immediate needs, know that your efforts make a meaningful impact.
With patience, consistency, and the right techniques, managing excess milk can become a smoother, more manageable part of your breastfeeding experience. You've got this!
About the Author
Nicole is a certified breastfeeding specialist and the founder of The Milk Nest, a supportive online platform dedicated to empowering pregnant and postpartum moms. With a community of over 185K on Instagram, Nicole shares evidence-based advice, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement to help moms navigate the beautiful and challenging journey of parenthood & breastfeeding. Expecting her third child, Nicole brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work, inspiring a community of mothers to thrive during every stage of motherhood.