Re: Why is over supply bad?

Originally Posted by
@llli*tanpixie
Everyone keeps saying it's not good but why exactly?
I responded in your other thread and mommy2lilah covered it well, but to reiterate:
Painful engorgement. Plugged ducts to the point that you feel like you've been punched in the breasts repeatedly every day. Potential mastitis if you don't get those plugs out. A baby who screams and screams and screams at the breast because the spray is like a fire hose. Biting down on the nipple to slow the flow causing cracking and severe pain. Horrible screaming gas pains and spit up covering every surface in the entire house. There is absolutely nothing good about it.
The pros would
1. Knowing your baby was getting enough
2. Knowing your baby was getting enough
&
3. Knowing your baby was getting enough!
I'm always so worried that she's not, when I pump I get very little, I try to pump to increase supply - it's the hardest thing about breast feeding (i think) is the constant worry that she may not be getting enough.
You know your baby is getting enough by counting diapers. Oversupply doesn't automatically mean your baby is getting enough. Especially when your baby constantly screams at the breast because your letdown has the same force as Niagra Falls. I still counted diapers with my insane oversupply because my baby hated nursing when he was little.
Your body is supposed to only make enough milk to feed your baby. You are not supposed to be able to pump much milk after nursing. You need to relax and trust your body to do the right thing. Oversupply is not the answer to your worries. It only creates a new set of worries!
K. Sophia - Mama to my little lactivore, the amazing Mr. X (11/10).