Hyperlactation syndrome

Hyperlactation syndrome is a condition where breast milk overflow occurs because of increased milk production.[1] The milk may come out fast and forcibly, making it difficult for the baby to nurse well.[2]

Symptoms for the mother include breasts that never feel soft and comfortable, even after feeding, mastitis, blocked ducts and sore nipples. Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra broke the Guinness World Record for the largest breastmilk donation by an individual, recorded to be 1599.68 liters.[3]

Signs

Mother signs

The mother's breast may feel full and engorged all the time. There may be the pain in the breast while feeding as well as leakage of milk in between the feeds.[4]

Baby's signs

Most babies rarely react to a larger flow of milk since it could be as much as they require, too. Also babies usually get confused while breastfeeding.[5]

Causes

Some mothers make too much milk, while others make too little, and for most of them it's just a matter of syncing up with their baby's needs. Occasionally, though, a mom will continue to make an overabundance of milk even after her milk supply is established.[6]

References

1. Arora, Mahak (2018-07-12). "Oversupply of Breast Milk: Causes, Signs and Treatment". FirstCry Parenting. Retrieved 2019-01-10.
2. van Veldhuizen-Staas, Caroline GA (2007-08-29). "Overabundant milk supply: an alternative way to intervene by full drainage and block feeding". International Breastfeeding Journal. 2: 11. doi:10.1186/1746-4358-2-11. ISSN 1746-4358. PMC 2075483. PMID 17727711.
3. "Oversupply: Symptoms, causes, and what to do if you have too much milk". Breastfeeding USA. 2016-06-09. Archived from the original on 2020-11-12. Retrieved 2019-01-10.
4. Parikh, Himali (2018-03-28). "What is Hyperlactation Syndrome? Causes & Signs". Mom And Baby Care (Mom ABC). Archived from the original on 2021-01-20. Retrieved 2019-01-10.
5. Arora, Mahak (2018-07-12). "Oversupply of Breast Milk: Causes, Signs and Treatment". FirstCry Parenting. Retrieved 2019-01-10.
6. "babycenter".