Do you have fast/overactive letdown or an over supply?

Question

Hi my lovely ladies! I began pumping at the birth of my B/G twins. They were in the NICU for one week due to premature birth. They were not strong enough to breastfeed until 6 weeks old. I have been religiously pumping every 3 hours to drain my breasts after they BF. I have a crazy over-supply problem (donating to milk bank). I guess I just kept doing it b/c I was told to pump every 3 hours. But, I think my twins are getting frustrated by an overactive/forceful letdown. Any suggestions to help the babies and strategy to decrease my supply? Should I just pump less and less? Can I increase my supply if I need to in the future? I've been nursing them in a reclined position and that helps. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!  Here's a pic of my cuties just for fun !

Answer

I had this problem in the beginning too! Don't worry, it will eventually regulate. I was pumping after feedings too which gave me a great frozen stash, but it also stimulated my body to produce more milk. Your body thinks that whatever you take out, it has to replenish. Remember your boobs can't tell the difference between baby and pump so all they know is X amount of milk was taken out, so that must be how much is needed! If you can I would pump less after feedings of maybe not at all for some of them. If your boobs aren't totally empty they will still refill but slower. If you need to pump just enough for relief sometimes that's okay too. It's all supply and demand so your body will soon realize how much your babies need and only make that amount. Also, be careful with the cabbage leaves because some women use that to wean their babies so it can potentially dry up your supply if used too much. Another option is block feeding (which might not work with twins), Google it and see if it will help, but again be careful not to reduce your supply too much. I believe kellymom.com has a good article on block feeding.

Answer

First of all I commend you for donating your milk. I am way to stingy with my milk I just freeze it all for later. I can't seem to part with it. Second if you want a smaller supply then yes you have to have a smaller demand. Just pump for less time and eventually your supply will regulate to what your demand is. It usually regulates pretty quickly! Good luck and your babies are adorable :)

Answer

Ive heard cabbage leaf on the breast helps slow down production if you're an oversupplier. Congrats on your twins!

Do you have fast/overactive letdown or an over supply?

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