Hyperlactation: How Left-brained ‘Rules’ for Breastfeeding Can Wreak Havoc With a Natural Process

A variety of arbitrary and often unphysiological rules for breastfeeding are frequently suggested to breastfeeding mothers. Many of these rules duplicate strategies commonly used to increase milk supply, and thus, when undertaken by the many women who already have a generous milk supply, can lead to overproduction. Oversupply, or hyperlactation, is a frequent yet often unrecognized problem that can present with a variety of distressing symptoms for the breastfeeding mother and her infant. Infants may present with symptoms suggesting colic, milk protein allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux, or may present with unusually rapid or slow growth. Mothers may present with tender leaking breasts, sore infected nipples, plugged ducts or mastitis, or even the perception of insufficient milk supply. With an understanding of the pathophysiology of these symptoms, proper diagnosis and breastfeeding management can allow milk production to return to homeostatic levels and provide dramatic symptom relief.