Overactive Let-Down
A let-down is when milk sprays from the breast as the milk is pushed out by hormonal
release. Some mothers have such a strong let-down at times that the baby can't always
handle the volume of milk well.
If your baby chokes, gags, or pushes off of the breast a minute or two after starting
to feed, an overactive let-down may be the cause. Fortunately, women with an overactive
let-down often have a large milk supply.
What can help
Most babies learn to handle let-down as their ability to coordinate sucking, swallowing,
and breathing matures. Until then, here are some strategies you can try to help manage
until your baby learns to handle the fast volume of milk:
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Allow your baby to come off your breast as they need to.
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Let your baby nurse until let-down. Then quickly remove the baby from your breast.
And catch the rapid flow of milk in a towel before latching your baby back on to feed.
(To remove your baby from your breast while actively nursing, gently put your finger
into the side of their mouth to break the suction. Then position your baby away from
the nipple).
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Hold your nipple between your forefinger and your middle finger. Or gently press your
hand into the side of your breast during let-down to slow the rapid flow of milk.
Positions that can help
It may help to position the baby so that the back of the baby's throat is higher than
your nipple. This way the milk will not collect in the back of the baby's mouth. This
position also gives the baby more control of the flow of milk. To do this, try these
positions:
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A laid-back nursing position. You are lying back comfortably on a couch or pillow. Your baby is lying on top of
you, directly tummy to tummy. Your baby can then bob their head. Or you can guide
your baby to latch.
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Football or clutch position. Your baby is on your side. Their back is supported by your arm. The baby's head is
supported by your hand at the level of your nipple. You can gently raise your baby
to your nipple to latch.