Over supply?

Amberrrr · April 2012

I think I have a problem with over supply. Sometimes when I'm feeding my LO he latches and unlatches every time I get my letdown. Then he fusses and cries and it's like we're fighting at the breast. Sometimes when he lets go I can see it squirting out. So I try to hand express some and it helps for a minute, until next let down. It's so bad, and it's so frustrating for both of us. It almost makes me want to just quit.

kellydw · April 2012

if that is your only issue, don't give up. it will regulate it just takes some time. try to either pump or hand express right before your nurse him to take the edge off.

Makinroom4baby · April 2012

Don't quit. Both of you will get used to it. It sounds like you just have forceful letdown. I still have this and my baby used to fuss and fight at the breast. He'd also choke and cry. He still chokes, but now he's learned to stop sucking as hard during let down and he just swallows until the flow slows down. Sometimes, if it's too much and he's choking, he will pull off and I just catch it with a burp cloth and let him relatch after he catches his breath. TGry BFing while reclined. Gravity will help slow the flow and he should be able to feed more comfortably.

WaitingOnNo2 · April 2012

Try hand expressing a little first, then leaning back when you nurse so your baby is on top of the breast which will slow the flow.

raspberry_bride · April 2012

I'm no expert, but what worked for me was to nurse in the side lying position until my supply regulated. My DD was fussing and choking because of forceful letdown and over supply, so I tried lying on the bed on a towel and she eventually latched well and fussed less. This way the milk can just drip down onto the towel when they need a break to catch their breath. It is hard to do this position with a newborn because of their lack of neck control, but it is possible. I put a rolled up towel against her back to keep her in place, and used my hand to guide her head to my nipple.

I also thought that I would end up having to nurse this way forever and would have trouble going out, but once my supply regulated and she latched without fussing I could nurse in any position (so it isn't permanent is what I am saying).

mabst196 · April 2012

It will get better with time. I agree it's frustrating. Hang in there.

Makinroom4baby · April 2012

FWIW, I tried all of the tips for over supply (including block feeding) but nothing helped b/c it wasn't an oversupply that I was dealing with. Just a forceful letdown. So don't get discouraged!

Amberrrr · April 2012

Thanks for the support everyone!

I've also learned my lo might like to eat less but more frequently, so maybe the fussing is him trying to tell me he's had enough. But sometimes I feel so bad. He starts choking on it too. Good to know that it should go away in time!

Want a personalized experience?

Over supply?

Re: Over supply?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards