What is Hyperlactation?

For some moms, the biggest worry during breastfeeding is not making enough milk. But what happens when your body makes too much?

That’s called hyperlactation—and while it might sound like a good problem to have, it can come with its own set of challenges. Constant fullness, leaking, forceful letdowns, or a baby who struggles at the breast can make the experience stressful and exhausting. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many mothers deal with oversupply, and it can take a real emotional toll. The good news is that with the right tools and a little support, you can bring things back into balance.

What is Hyperlactation?

Hyperlactation means your body is producing significantly more milk than your baby needs. This often happens in the early weeks while your supply is still regulating. For some, it eases up on its own—but for others, it sticks around and can lead to:

• Plugged ducts or mastitis
• Breast pain, swelling, and discomfort
• Gas or reflux in baby
• Stressful, messy feedings

If any of that sounds familiar, you're not doing anything wrong. Oversupply just happens sometimes—and there are ways to manage it.

Ways to Manage Oversupply

There are a few approaches that can help regulate your milk supply:

• Block feeding (nursing from one breast per block of time)
• Letting warm water run over your breasts in the shower
• Working with a lactation professional, such as an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to come up with a plan

Along with those tools, there are also a few

herbs that have been traditionally used

to help gently reduce milk production. While there aren’t clinical studies on these herbs specifically for lactation suppression, they’ve been used for generations and can be worth exploring.

Herbs That May Help with Oversupply

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Probably the most well-known herb for reducing milk supply. Sage can be sipped as a tea, but it’s best to drink it after nursing or pumping, when your breasts are already relatively empty.

• How to use: Steep 1 tbsp dried sage in 8 oz hot water for about 3 minutes. Sip slowly. You can repeat every 6–12 hours if needed, but keep an eye on how your body responds.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Traditionally seen as reducing milk production, however direct human studies is limited. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that menthol, the primary active component in peppermint is what is responsible for the suppression of milk. Peppermint tea is an option. Some moms use peppermint oil diluted in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply it to the breast tissue (avoiding the nipple).

• Important note: Peppermint oil can be strong and even toxic in large amounts when ingested orally especially for infants. Avoid peppermint oil if you are still nursing, especially in nipple area. Use with caution.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) A common kitchen herb that may gently reduce supply when eaten in larger amounts over time—think parsley-rich salads, tabbouleh, or smoothies.

Cabbage Leaves A classic remedy. Cabbage helps relieve fullness, heat, and inflammation.

• How to use: Crush fresh leaves, refrigerate them, and roll with a rolling pin to release the juices. Apply to your breasts (not directly on the nipples). Leave on until the leaves warm up, then switch them out with fresh ones. You can repeat this a few times a day.

A Note on Herbal Safety Even though herbs are natural, that doesn’t mean they’re always harmless. They can interact with medications or health conditions, and not all herbs are safe while breastfeeding. Also, quality matters. Not all herbal products are created equally, so be mindful of sourcing and preparation. Before starting any new herb—especially while nursing—it's best to check in with a provider experienced in postpartum care, like a lactation consultant (IBCLC), midwife, herbalist, or integrative practitioner. They can help make sure it’s the right fit for your body and your goals.

If you’re navigating oversupply, know this: it’s not your fault, and there are gentle ways to support your body through it. Herbal allies are just one more option in your toolkit to help you feel more comfortable and supported on your breastfeeding journey.

Disclaimer: The information on Mone does not replace professional medical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplements as individual needs vary based on health conditions and medications.