Oversupply and choking?

ECUPirate04 · October 2010

L is nursing wonderfully but I think I'm producing way too much milk and it causing her to choke when nursing. I've already called the LC today and am waiting on a call back but I thought I'd look for suggestions here.

I guess I never thought having too much milk would be an issue.

ECUGirl2004 · October 2010

I think there are a couple of things you can do. First, do you have any of those Gerber cotton "diapers" that are so great as burp cloths? Keep one of those handy. When L starts to latch and your milk comes down, break the latch and let the milk flow into the burp cloth for few seconds. See if the milk slows down a little that way. You can help by applying a little pressure to the breast as well. If it slows down fairly quickly, you can go ahead and re-latch and let her nurse. It can be tough to do that with a young baby though, because they get frustrated so easily.

Also, you can try different nursing positions. I think I remember something about a more "uphill" nursing position that helps slow the flow of milk down. I couldn't remember the details, but here's a helpful Kellymom article: https://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

Your supply will adjust with time. It's great that you've got so much milk though!

cate1119 · October 2010

I had that problem as well and it took me a while to get it under control. Eventually Ella just learned to adjust her nursing style to deal with my milk craziness. Here's an article on kellymom that talks about oversupply and a fast let-down.

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

I'm so happy to hear that she's a great nurser already! Way to go L (and mom too)!

becki777 · October 2010

The only thing I can suggest is to pump a little before you nurse, this will get your big letdown out of the way so she won't be so overwhelmed. I'm so glad to hear thing are going well so far with nursing!

ECUPirate04 · October 2010

You guys are great. A friend just called me back and suggested these two exact things too so we will keep working on it.

I'm grateful to have this problem but we have to get it under control because seeing her choke like that is enough to cause me to have a nervous breakdown

I'll keep you guys posted.

NatPhoto09 · October 2010

I don't think for me it was an oversupply but an overactive let down. I used to do what ECUgirl said, let the milk leak out onto a burp cloth and then re-latch. My body eventually stopped doing this. I put the same article on my post that the other girls suggested LOL.

Good luck!

MelBee12 · October 2010

I have this same exact problem. I think mine is both overactive let down and oversupply. I can pump 8oz in one sitting which is a lot from what I've heard and when LO delatches, I spray EVERYWHERE...no wonder he's choking!! I do the burp cloth thing and I also don't pump until I'm empty...because pumping 8oz only tells my body to produce MORE milk..lol. I have been skipping my night time pumping session while DH gives LO a bottle of BM to try and lower my supply a little. If I get engorged by the next feeding I just pump from whichever side is engorged but only 2-3 oz.

lah1177 · October 2010

I don't have any advice b/c I have the complete opposite problem (which is super frustrating!), but I wanted to let you know I am so happy nursing is going well for you and you have a great supply, I am sure it will regulate in time. Good luck!!

H&W05 · October 2010

I had this problem too and it was so scary every time she choked and gasped for breath. The LC wasn't too concerned. I really didn't change much and now it hardly ever happens.

Want a personalized experience?

Oversupply and choking?

Re: Oversupply and choking?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards