Breastmilk Supply: What Is Average, Oversupply, or Undersupply
How much breastmilk is “enough” is not really a question that can be answered with a number. The truth is that the right amount of breastmilk supply depends wholly on how much your baby needs.
On average, mothers produce anywhere from 1-1.5 ounces of breastmilk every hour with an average expectancy of 16-32 ounces of milk per day by the end of the first 10-14 days.
In terms of pumping, there are thousands of photos online and on social media that show mothers pumping 5 or more ounces per bottle. Photos like this perpetuate unrealistic expectations for mothers. It is completely normal and natural to pump significantly less than this per session.
The average amount of breastmilk to pump also greatly depends on the stage you are in.
| Baby’s Age | Amount of Milk Pumped Per Session |
| Newborn | 1/4-2 oz |
| 2-4 weeks | 1-3 oz |
| 1-2 months | 4-5 oz |
| 3-4 months | 4-6 oz |
| 6 months | ~ 6 oz |
| 6-9 months | ~6 oz |
| 9-12 months | ~ 6 oz |
What is an Oversupply of Breastmilk?
An oversupply of breastmilk is when your body produces more milk than your baby needs. And while it may seem like a good problem to have, it can actually be painful and even lead to issues like engorgement and mastitis, as well as gulping, choking, and gas for baby.
It is important to identify an oversupply problem early in order to solve it.
Some common causes of oversupply include:
- Overstimulation of the breasts or excessive pumping. This can train your body to produce more milk than necessary.
- Hormonal Influences like high prolactin levels.
- Baby has difficulty latching, which can lead to the breastmilk not being emptied fully.
- Improper feeding habits, like switching breasts too often or only using the fuller breast.
If you are struggling to determine if you have an oversupply issue, or need further support, you can get personalized care from one of our lactation consultants by clicking here!
How To Treat Oversupply:
It is important to treat oversupply issues safely and painlessly.
Some methods that can be used are:
- Block Feeding: Feeding on one breast for a fixed amount of time and then switching to the other for a fixed block of time.
- Changing Position: Positions like side lying or laid-back can help prevent the effects of a forceful letdown.
- Changing Pumping Routine: Stopping excessive pumping and expressing to a comfortable level can help train your body to produce less milk.
When You Need Professional Help
Reach out to The Latch Link to get help from a lactation consultant if you:
- Are still having pain or swelling, even after treating yourself
- Are experiencing fever, chills, or extreme tenderness/ redness of the breast
- Feeding issues with baby
- Worrying about your supply and wanting personalized support
If you are in need of, or want, personalized breastfeeding support, reach out to us – we’re here for you.
What is an Undersupply of Breastmilk
An undersupply of breastmilk is when your body is not producing enough breastmilk to keep up with your baby’s nutrition needs. This is a real concern that should be addressed by a professional, such as a lactation consultant.
Indicators of a Low Milk Supply:
- Insufficient weight gain
- Not enough urine (8-12 wet diapers/ day) or bowel movements (2-5/ day)
- Dark colored urine, dry mouth, or lack of tears when crying, caused by dehydration
- Baby consistently seems hungry after feeding
What can cause a low milk supply?
- Poor Latch. Read “How to Fix a Bad Latch” if you need help with this.
- Infrequent/ timed feedings rather than feeding on demand
- Supplementing formula, which can train your body to produce less milk
- Stress/ fatuigue
If you are experiencing low milk supply, we can help. Book a virtual consultation with one of our lactation consultants today, covered 100% by insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not particularly common. It is more often seen in the first few weeks postpartum, but if it continues beyond this, it should be addressed.
Breastmilk oversupply can be caused by many factors including overstimulation of the breasts, hormones, bad latching, and switching breasts too often.
This greatly depends on each baby’s needs and age. 1-1.5 ounces per hour is common.
Feeding on demand is best, but a general rule of thumb is about every 1.5-3 hours.
If your baby is having enough urine (8-12 wet diapers) and bowel movements (2-5) per day, if they seems content after feeds, and if they are gaining sufficient weight.
Need personalized breastfeeding support? Book your virtual consult today!
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