Breastfeeding and forceful/fast letdown

thanxbaby · April 2012

DS is 5 weeks and has been fussy while nursing for many weeks now, pulling off during letdown and crying or choking, arching back, and sometimes refusing to go back on. I dealt with the forceful letdown with my older DD and it was so difficult and frustrating but I managed to nurse her for 16 months. I think it got better or slowed down at some point but I just don't remember. This time around with a toddler I don't have the patience for what turns into short feedings because he doesn't like the flow and then we end up feeding or trying again constantly. I worry that this will lead to DS not wanting to nurse at all.

If your dealing with a forceful letdown did it get easier/feedings less fussy, etc and when?

88eve88 · April 2012

I don't have any experience with a forceful letdown, but I just wanted to suggest that you should also post your question on the Breastfeeding board. I lurk there often and this type of question is asked regularly and many of the ladies there seem to be experiencing a similar problem. Perhaps they can help as well ...

lar2680 · April 2012

Lean back while nursing, it will slow the flow of your let down. It worked wonders for me!

Dharmajam · April 2012

I have this problem too. I have found that pumping first for a little bit helps.

bparkhur · April 2012

Perhaps keep putting him on the same breast for a few feedings in a row so that it isn't as full/heavy? You can pump the other side.

JFH2010 · April 2012

Google "biological nursing" if you're not already familiar with it - it's a very comfortable position in general and should help with forceful letdown.

Squirrel29 · April 2012

In addition to leaning back try holding him vertical for the first few minutes, then you can lean forward and turn him to a horizontal position after the flow has regulated.

shotzie · April 2012

Lean back when nursing, like pp said. You can also unlatch LO when your milk lets down and let it spray into a burp cloth or bottle. When the flow slows down, put LO back on.

elektra1835 · April 2012

I agree w/ PP about pumping or what you could do is express some milk into a towel or the sink before feeding your baby. What I usually do is take LO off the boob when I feel let down and I let my milk spray into a towel. The flow is usually slow enough after that, so he doesn't have any problems nursing.

thanxbaby · April 2012

I have tried most of these tips, leaning back makes no difference, letting it spray into burp cloth-still fusses and noticed it still sprays often throughout the rest of the feeding, pumping beforehand-how can you do this 10 or more times each day before every feeding, it seems like a lot of work, and I have tried block feeding but my supply ends up going down and then DS ends up nursing more. He did seem more content with blockfeeding but it doesn't seem like a long term solution.

Thinkerbelle80 · April 2012

Try breastfeeding lying down on your side or leaning way back.

WaitingOnNo2 · April 2012

lar2680:
Lean back while nursing, it will slow the flow of your let down. It worked wonders for me!

This. Lean back so you have the baby on top of your boob-then the milk has to work against gravity. Also, pumping a little before you feed or just expressing a little milk might help.

92405bride · April 2012

thanxbaby:
I have tried most of these tips, leaning back makes no difference, letting it spray into burp cloth-still fusses and noticed it still sprays often throughout the rest of the feeding, pumping beforehand-how can you do this 10 or more times each day before every feeding, it seems like a lot of work, and I have tried block feeding but my supply ends up going down and then DS ends up nursing more. He did seem more content with blockfeeding but it doesn't seem like a long term solution.

I feel your pain - I've also tried all of these things and nothing really seems to help. I don't want to pump before EVERY feeding because in the long run, that will just increase my supply. The lactation consultant I talked to said to avoid pumping, and to hand express instead, which I do but doesn't seem to make a huge difference. I have one side that has the problem and one that doesn't, so I have been starting on the side without the forceful letdown every time and hoping my supply on the other side eventually slows down. I'm on day 4 and so far it's still going strong...

diana.filipi · April 2012

I'm having the same issue as you and had it with DD as well. I just got a pump and have started pumping a few times a day. I always pump right before bed so that my 4am nursing won't be SO full and I pump first thing in the morning. I pump about 20-25oz a day ad still nurse 4+ times a day and once at night. I have SO much milk.

I will admit that I am really kinda liking being able to warm up a bottle for DH to give to DS instead of having to sit down and nurse him every time. I am able to get a bit more done!

ateal2490 · April 2012

JFH2010:
Google "biological nursing" if you're not already familiar with it - it's a very comfortable position in general and should help with forceful letdown.

I just looked that up and tried it...omg, what a difference. Thanks for posting that!

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