As soon as you become a parent, you’ll soon come to learn that breastfeeding can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. 

One common issue that can occur is lactose overload, leading to uncomfortable symptoms for your baby and often caused by an oversupply of milk. 

But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and the good news is that it’s manageable!

In this post, we’ll dive into what lactose overload is, how to spot it, signs to watch for in  dirty diapers and how to make adjustments to get things back on track.

What is Lactose Overload?

Lactose overload is when your baby gets more milk than they can comfortably digest. This usually occurs when there’s an oversupply of milk, meaning your body produces more milk than your baby needs. 

When babies drink large quantities of milk that is low in fat (the milk they get at the start of a feed), the excess lactose can’t be absorbed properly. 

This undigested lactose then reaches the baby’s gut, where it causes gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Basically, too much milk too quickly = a grumpy and uncomfortable baby.

Signs That Your Baby Might Have Lactose Overload

Here’s what to look for:

1. Unsettled behaviour: Your baby might be fussier than usual, even after feeding.

2. Large weight gains: If your baby is gaining weight faster than expected, it could be a sign that they’re getting more milk than they need.

3. Frequent, runny stools: Your baby may have many bowel movements in a day, often explosive, green, or frothy. These types of poops are a big indicator of lactose overload.

4. Diaper rash: Because of the acidic nature of the stool, babies with lactose overload are more likely to get diaper rash.

5. Forceful milk flow: A strong milk ejection reflex can lead to your baby coughing, spluttering, or pulling away from the breast. They may even make a clicking sound while nursing.

6. Frequent hunger: Ironically, even though you may be producing lots of milk, your baby might seem constantly hungry. This is because the milk they're getting is not high enough in fat to satisfy them fully.

How to Manage Lactose Overload

The good news is that lactose overload is usually temporary and can be managed with a few adjustments to your breastfeeding routine. 

Here are some helpful tips for dealing with milk oversupply:

1. Feed from one breast at a time: Allow your baby to nurse on one breast for as long as they want. This ensures they’re getting the richer, higher-fat milk towards the end of the feed, which is more satisfying. If your baby seems to want to nurse again soon after finishing the first breast, you can offer the other breast after a little while.

2. Avoid overfeeding: If your baby is drinking more than they need, they might feel uncomfortable and unsettled. Let them finish one breast completely before offering the other one.

3. Cold packs for breast pain: If you're experiencing engorgement or chronic pain, cold packs can help soothe your breasts and reduce swelling.

4. Change your breastfeeding position: Try breastfeeding in a semi-reclined or side-lying position to help manage a forceful milk flow. These positions can help slow the flow and make feeding more comfortable for your baby.

5. Medication: In rare cases, a doctor might recommend medication to reduce milk supply, but this is typically reserved for severe oversupply cases.

What Does Lactose Overload Poop Look Like?

One of the key indicators of lactose overload is your baby’s poop. While baby poop can vary in color, explosive, green, and frothy stools are a sign that your baby is having trouble digesting all that milk. 

Green stools can sometimes be normal, but if they’re unusually dark or in large quantities, it could indicate a milk imbalance.

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

The good news is that once you start managing your oversupply and adjusting your feeding routine, symptoms of lactose overload can improve quickly and often within 24 hours. 

Your baby should become more settled, and their bowel movements should return to a more normal pattern.

Final Thoughts

Lactose overload and oversupply can feel overwhelming, but it’s something that can be managed with a few simple changes to your feeding routine. The most important thing is to listen to your baby and trust your instincts. You can always escalate to your medical care provider as well to settle any concerns. 

If you’re dealing with an oversupply or suspect your baby may have lactose overload, take a deep breath and know that you’ve got this. With a little adjustment and patience, you and your baby will find a rhythm that works for you both.

Sources: 

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/lactose-overload 

https://abaprofessional.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/Too-Much-Milk.pdf