If you’re dealing with oversupply while breastfeeding, block feeding might just be the solution you need. It’s a simple technique that helps balance milk production, making nursing more comfortable for you and your baby.
What Is Block Feeding?
Block feeding is a breastfeeding technique designed to regulate an oversupply of breast milk. Oversupply, or hyperlactation, can lead to discomfort for the breastfeeding parent and feeding challenges for the baby. Block feeding involves feeding exclusively from one breast during a designated time block, reducing stimulation to the other breast. This allows the body to naturally reduce milk production in the unused breast through mechanisms like the Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL), a whey protein that slows milk synthesis when milk accumulates.
How to Do Block Feeding
Block feeding is a structured approach to managing milk oversupply, and with the right tools and techniques, it can be a manageable and effective solution.
Tools and Preparations for Block Feeding
- A breast pump can be a helpful tool during block feeding, especially for relieving initial engorgement. The Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow™ Hands-Free Breast Pump offers a compact, efficient design with customizable settings through the Momcozy app, making it ideal for managing milk flow while maintaining comfort. Its portability and snug fit ensure a seamless experience for moms balancing block feeding with their daily routines.
- Storage bags or bottles to keep extra expressed milk safely stored for later use.
- Cold compress or gel packs are useful for managing engorgement and reducing swelling.
- Comfortable nursing bras to ensure proper support, especially during the adjustment phase.
- Notebook or Apps, like Baby Tracker, Medela Family and Sprout Baby to track your block feeding times to maintain consistency.
Tips for Block Feeding
- Consult a Lactation Specialist. Confirm with a professional that block feeding is suitable for your situation. Oversupply symptoms can sometimes mimic other issues, such as overactive letdown.
- Start Small. Begin with shorter blocks of 3 hours to allow your body to adjust gradually. Gradually extend blocks to 6, 8, or even 12 hours if needed.
- Pumping Before Starting. Use a breast pump, like the Momcozy M9, to express just enough milk from both breasts before initiating block feeding. This reduces initial fullness and discomfort.
- If the unused breast becomes engorged, hand-express or pump just enough milk to relieve pressure. Avoid fully emptying the breast to prevent stimulating production.
- Use a cool compress on the unused breast to alleviate discomfort but limit to 20-30 minutes at a time.
- Watch for signs of plugged ducts or mastitis, like red marks, swelling, or pain. Massage during feeding sessions and use proper latch techniques to avoid complications.
- Results may take several days to a week. Block feeding is a temporary intervention to normalize milk supply.
Sample Block Feeding Schedule
Below is an example block feeding schedule for a mother starting with 6-hour blocks and feeding the baby every 2–3 hours:
- 7:00 a.m.: Pump briefly to relieve pressure on both breasts. Begin feeding on the right breast.
- 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Offer only the right breast for all feedings during this time.
- 1:00 p.m.: Switch to the left breast. Feed your baby on the left side as often as they need.
- 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: All feedings during this block use the left breast.
- 7:00 p.m.: Return to the right breast for evening feedings.
Who Should Try Block Feeding?
Block feeding is suitable for breastfeeding parents who experience an oversupply of breast milk, also known as hyperlactation. This condition can cause significant challenges for both the parent and the baby. If you suspect oversupply, consult with a lactation specialist to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other issues, such as overactive letdown or poor latch.
Key Indicators of Breast Milk Overproduction
- Breasts feel full, hard, and uncomfortable even shortly after feeding.
- If pumping yields significantly more milk than your baby consumes, this may also be a sign of oversupply.
- The baby may feed for short periods and still struggle with excessive milk flow.
Oversupply can disrupt breastfeeding harmony, making block feeding a helpful temporary intervention to balance supply and demand.
Signs You May Benefit from Block Feeding
In the Breastfeeding Parent:
- Persistent engorgement despite regular feedings.
- Frequent leaking of milk between feedings or during letdown.
- Painful letdown reflex.
- Recurrent clogged ducts or mastitis.
In the Baby:
- Difficulty latching due to overfilled breasts.
- Gagging, choking, or coughing during feeds due to fast milk flow.
- Frequent spitting up or reflux-like symptoms.
- Green, frothy, or explosive stools.
- Fussiness or refusal to breastfeed.
When Not to Use Block Feeding
- Milk supply is still stabilizing naturally in the early postpartum period (first 4–6 weeks)
- If increasing milk supply is the goal. Block feeding reduces milk production, so it’s not suitable for addressing underproduction or supply concerns.
Are There Any Side Effects of Block Feeding?
While block feeding is effective for managing the oversupply of breast milk, it can have potential side effects if not done carefully. These include:
- Leaving milk in the breast for longer periods increases the risk of clogged milk ducts or mastitis (a painful breast infection). Symptoms include redness, swelling, and fever.
- The unused breast may feel uncomfortably full during the block. Over time, the body should adjust, but initial discomfort is common.
- Block feeding may temporarily reduce milk production too much if not monitored carefully. This could lead to insufficient milk for the baby if extended beyond the necessary period.
- Some babies may fuss if milk flow slows significantly during the adjustment period. This is usually temporary as your supply stabilizes.
How Block Feeding Benefits Oversupply of Breast Milk
Block feeding helps regulate milk production by aligning supply with the baby’s needs. This is achieved through the body's natural feedback mechanisms that control lactation. Take a closer look at how block feeding addresses oversupply:
- Block feeding allows milk to accumulate in one breast for longer, increasing levels of the Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL), a protein that signals the body to slow down milk production. Over time, this balances the milk supply.
- By stabilizing supply, block feeding reduces the constant feeling of fullness, leaking, and risk of painful clogged ducts or mastitis.
- Oversupply often leads to fast letdowns, causing babies to gag, choke, or struggle with milk flow. Block feeding slows milk production and letdown, making it easier for the baby to latch and nurse comfortably.
- Oversupply can cause babies to get too much foremilk (low-fat milk at the start of a feed) and not enough hindmilk (high-fat milk at the end). Block feeding ensures the baby nurses longer on one breast, improving digestion and reducing gas, colic, and green, frothy stools.
- By addressing oversupply symptoms, block feeding helps create a more comfortable and sustainable breastfeeding experience for both parent and baby.
What Are Other Treatments for Over Producing of Breast Milk?
If block feeding is not sufficient or suitable for managing an oversupply of breast milk, there are alternative treatments to help reduce milk production and address the associated symptoms. These include natural remedies, medications, feeding adjustments, and lifestyle modifications.
1. Natural Remedies
- Sage: A natural lactation suppressant, sage can be consumed as tea or in tincture form.
- Peppermint: Peppermint tea or applying peppermint oil (diluted) to the breasts can help reduce milk production.
- Parsley: Known for its milk-reducing properties, parsley can be incorporated into meals or consumed as tea.
- Jasmine: Application of jasmine flowers or oil on the breasts can decrease milk supply.
Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if breastfeeding, as some can have side effects or affect the baby.
2. Medications
- Pseudoephedrine: A common decongestant that can reduce milk supply as a side effect.
- Estrogen-Based Birth Control Pills: Estrogen can inhibit prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. However, this method should only be used under medical supervision as it may impact breastfeeding.
- Dostinex(Cabergoline): Specifically prescribed to reduce or stop lactation by lowering prolactin levels.
Medications should be a last resort and require guidance from a healthcare provider to ensure safety for both parent and baby.
3. Feeding Adjustments
- Allow the baby to feed fully from one breast before offering the second. This ensures the baby receives hindmilk, helping digestion and slowing milk production. And avoid frequent switching between breasts during a single feeding session, as this stimulates both breasts and increases production.
- Temporarily reduce the length of feeding sessions to prevent overstimulation.
4. Pumping Adjustments
- Express a small amount of milk before breastfeeding to soften the breast and reduce the intensity of letdown. Avoid over-pumping, as it can exacerbate oversupply.
- Apply gentle pressure around the areola to push milk back and soften the area, making latching easier and less overwhelming for the baby.
5. Cooling and Compression
- Apply cool compresses to the breasts after feeding to reduce inflammation and signal the body to produce less milk.
- Place chilled cabbage leaves on the breasts. The enzymes in cabbage can help reduce milk supply over time.
6. Gradual Reduction of Breast Stimulation
- Gradually decrease nighttime breastfeeding sessions to lower overall milk production.
- If pumping is part of your routine, slowly reduce the frequency and duration of pumping sessions.
7. Lifestyle Changes
- Although hydration is important, drinking excessive fluids can sometimes contribute to oversupply. Balance is key.
- Stress can impact milk production, so incorporating relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, or gentle exercises may help.
8. Professional Guidance
- Work with a lactation specialist to assess feeding positions, latch techniques, and overall breastfeeding management.
- A trained professional can help with techniques to relieve engorgement without overstimulating milk production.
Note: If none of these treatments reduce oversupply or you develop complications like recurring mastitis, significant discomfort, or the baby struggles to nurse effectively, consult your healthcare provider for tailored solutions.
The Bottom Line
Block feeding can really help take the stress out of dealing with oversupply. It’s simple to do and can make a big difference for you and your little one. Every breastfeeding journey is not a breeze, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or doctor if you need extra help.
FAQs
Can block feeding lead to a permanent reduction in milk supply?
Block feeding is typically used as a temporary solution to regulate milk production. Once the oversupply is under control, you can return to regular breastfeeding patterns. If overused, block feeding may reduce milk supply too much, so it’s essential to monitor your baby’s weight gain and satisfaction after feedings.
Is block feeding safe for newborns?
Block feeding is generally not recommended in the first 4–6 weeks postpartum, as this is when your milk supply is naturally regulating to meet your baby’s needs. Oversupply during this period is common and often resolves on its own. If oversupply persists after this time, block feeding can be considered under the guidance of a lactation specialist.
How do I relieve discomfort in the unused breast during block feeding?
If the unused breast feels engorged or painful, you can:
- Hand-express or use a pump to remove a small amount of milk, just enough to relieve pressure without emptying the breast.
- Apply a cool compress or cabbage leaves to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid stimulating the unused breast unnecessarily to allow the supply to adjust.
Can I use block feeding while tandem nursing?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. For example:
- Offer the same breast to both children during the designated block of time.
- Switch to the other breast during the next block.
- Monitor each child’s feeding needs to ensure they’re getting enough milk, and consult a lactation specialist to adjust the approach if necessary.
What if my baby prefers one breast over the other?
If your baby consistently prefers one side, it may be due to comfort, milk flow, or positioning. To balance milk supply:
- Offer the less-preferred breast first during a feeding session.
- Experiment with different nursing positions to make the less-preferred breast more appealing.
- Massage the less-used breast during feeding to stimulate milk flow and improve comfort.
How does oversupply affect my baby’s digestion?
Oversupply often leads to an imbalance between foremilk (low-fat milk) and hindmilk (high-fat milk). This can result in:
- Green, frothy stools.
- Excessive gas and colic-like symptoms.
- Rapid digestion, which may cause hunger sooner than expected. Block feeding helps by ensuring your baby receives more hindmilk, improving digestion and reducing discomfort.
Is it normal to leak milk during block feeding?
Yes, leaking milk from the unused breast during block feeding is common, especially in the early days. Use breast pads or a milk collector to manage leakage and prevent waste. Over time, as your supply regulates, leaking should decrease.
Can block feeding help with overactive letdown?
Yes, block feeding often slows milk production, which in turn reduces the force of letdown. This can make feeding more comfortable for the baby and prevent issues like choking, gagging, or gulping during nursing.
