Overactive Letdown

Hi,

I've given birth to a healthy boy 8 weeks ago. I've been struggling with breastfeeding a bit in the last two months because I have a overactive letdown. At first my baby was able to adapt and work with the forceful letdown but recently he had a growth spurt and my milk production has increased and he's now unhappy at the breast (squirming, screaming, pulling off frequently, even biting). I do one-sided feedings and he stays at the breast anywhere between 8-20 min. (He used to stay at the breast at least 15 min and either pull off from satisfaction or fall asleep, but after the growth spurt it's become quite random). Do you have any suggestions on how I can control this new phase? Anything will be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer from the lactation consultant

I had the very same issue with my second daughter. Here are a few tricks I tried with success.

1. Try nursing on your back with baby laying on top. Or with baby sitting in a modified football position.

2. Hold your breast/areaola with your fingers in the scissor position and when the letdown occurs, apply some pressure to reduce the flow.

3. Pump for 2-3 minutes before morning feeds to reduce the supply so the pressure is not as great at those first few feeds.

4. As a last resort, you can use cabbage leaves in your bra to help reduce your supply some but I do not recommend this unless the child begins refusing the breast.

It will pass, he will learn to accomodate the flow. All in all, oversupply/overactive letdown is a wonderful problem to have. Too much is better than not enough, right? One last note, have you had his frenulum checked to make sure it is not tight? If it is, it could inhibit him being able to effectively latch/suck/swallow. Just a thought.
Hope this helps,

Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC