Q: Is it possible to overfeed a breastfeeding baby?

Answered by: Elpeni Binti Ramli, Lactation Educator, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur

The good news is you cannot overfeed a breastfeeding baby.

Your baby will not become spoiled or demanding if you feed them whenever they’re hungry or need comfort.

Do not worry about feeding your baby whenever either of you wants to because it is important for babies to have unrestricted access to the breast.  Breasts work on demand and supply so the only way you can be sure you will continue to have the perfect amount of milk for your baby, and know you are meeting all of their needs is by breastfeed them on demands following their cues.

However, there are  situations where you might think you have overfeed your baby and what might actually be going on is you have an “Oversupply” issue.

Please seek help and advice from your doctor or certified lactation counselor if you are unsure.