Overfeeding a breastfed baby?

Question

My 5 week old gained 4lb in one month and is exclusively breastfed. Ped said she’s likely eating too much from an oversupply and wants me to pump a few times per day to reduce…won’t that just up my supply even more? 
I am not engorged at all, but I know I have a fast flow. 
She’s a cluster feeder and feeds in small amounts every hour or less. Has this happened to anyone and what should I do?

Answer

That's got to be the most ridiculous assessment and advice I've ever heard. Just nurse your baby and don't worry about it. And pumping would accomplish the exact opposite of what this pediatrician is suggesting.

Answer

That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Directly nursing babies don’t over feed. Rather it’s very easy to over feed with a bottle. Please disregard what that pedi said it’s obvious that he knows nothing about infant feeding and breastfeeding/lactation. Anything you have concerns over with breastfeeding, contact an IBCLC.

Answer

I would never trust a pediatrician for breastfeeding advice. If you pump you'll make even more ! And I have never heard of a doctor saying a breastfeed baby eats too much. You need to drop that doctor and talk to a lactation consultant and get a new pediatrician!

Answer

It’s very very rare for a baby to overfeed at the breast. It can happen but it’s not common at all. 
Bottle feeding can absolutely lead to overfeeding. I don’t recommend pumping and bottle feeding at all. 
I do suggest you see an IBCLC who is actually trained in breastfeeding and see what their assessment says.

Answer

Wt actual f…yeah, that would just up your supply. 
I would keep feeding on demand and switch doctors, if it were me.

Answer

Wth???? My baby also gained more than four lbs n my ped just said u must have amazing breastmilk! No way to over feed ebf baby.

Answer

If your baby was overeating due to oversupply, he/she would probably throw up. My daughter ate too much because I genuinely had oversupply and she would throw up if she got too much. And telling you to pump to decrease your supply is terrible advice. Breastmilk is supply and demand, so yes, pumping would increase your supply.

Overfeeding a breastfed baby?

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