What is considered over breastfeeding?

• Breastfeeding is the best thing for any infant due to the complete nutrition it offers. It helps keep young bodies strong and aids growth, while also strengthening the immune system. The World Health Organization advises that infants feed exclusively on their mother’s milk from birth until 6 months of age.
• Infants overfeeding on breast milk, to the extent that their digestive system cannot function effectively leading to discomfort and vomiting or burping up the milk, is called over breastfeeding. This condition can affect both children who feed on mother’s milk as well as those who feed on bottled milk.
• Over breastfeeding should be suspected where infants show rapid weight gain (normal infant body weight increase is 20–60 grams per day).

Mother’s milk is a valuable source of energy because it is full of vitamins and nutrients that are vital to the lives of every new-born infant. The nutrients contained in breast milk keep them strong, aid growth and strengthen the immune system. Children can be fed exclusively on their mother’s milk from birth until the age of 6 months with no need for any additional nutrition. After the child reaches 6 months, breastfeeding can continue alongside a healthy, balanced diet until 2–3 years of age. Nevertheless, breastfeeding, like anything else, must be undertaken in moderation, because taking on too much can result in a condition called over breastfeeding.

• On the day they are born, infants should be fed with 1 teaspoon (5 cc) of milk, 8–10 times throughout the day.
• They should consume the same amount of milk on the second day as on the first.
• From day 3 until 1 month, infants should consume 1–1.5 fluid ounces of milk, 8–10 times per day.
• At 1 month of age, infants should consume 2–4 fluid ounces, but the frequency of feeds should be reduced to 7–8 times per day
• Between the ages of 2–6 months, infants should consume 4–6 fluid ounces, 5–6 times per day.
• Between the ages of 6–12 months, infants should consume 6–8 fluid ounces, 4–5 times per day.
• After they reach 1 year of age, children should consume 6–8 fluid ounces 3–4 times a day after meals.

• Vomiting, burping milk, regurgitating milk from their mouth or nose, or coughing up milk
• A tight abdomen and severely swollen stomach alongside crying after being breastfed
• Refusing to drink anymore milk and looking in discomfort despite starting the feed with no issues
• Rapid weight gain (infants normally put on 20–60 grams of weight per day
• Experiencing no other symptoms of illness that could otherwise cause vomiting, burping milk, stomach pain or crying out

Infants suffering from over breastfeeding will vomit, burp milk, have a tight abdomen, feel uncomfortable, and cry after feeding. These symptoms can cause anxiety in parents, who may wonder whether those symptoms are indicative of a more serious medical condition.

If the child has had enough milk but continues to cry, try to identify what is causing their distress. Infants do not cry only for food at this stage, so try taking them away from the breast, rocking them gently and giving them some attention. Should they continue to cry after this, try using a pacifier that will make them feel like they are still suckling.

Infants can generally adjust to their situation within the first 3–4 months, feeding in suitable amounts thereafter. However, if the child cries out to be breastfed despite already having had their fill of milk, mothers are recommended to use a breast pump to ensure there is minimal milk left in the breast before a feed. This will give the infant a chance to suckle without being overfed.

For new mothers who are still unsure about how best to breastfeed their child, consultations are available at our Lactation Clinic, where experienced doctors can provide advice on the key principles involved with breastfeeding. This includes advice on suitable amounts of milk for your child, because each infant is unique. This advice is invaluable to your child’s development, and can also help to prevent over breastfeeding and other associated health disorders which may follow.

Consult with us at the Lactation Clinic.