I know that's a really bizare question. My milk seems to be drowning my baby when it lets down. The milk sprays everywhere, he starts to choke and scream, and the first 5 minutes of nursing are frustrating for the both of us. Sometimes he gets so worn out that he falls asleep and wakes up 40 minutes later because he's still hungry. Maybe I don't want the milk to NOT let down, just not so fast. He's only 3 weeks and can't drink that fast. Any suggestions?
2006-07-09 05:24:13 · 15 answers · asked by Mama Jack the Navy Wife 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
BTW Even the slow flow nipples seem to have the same effect so he refuses to take a bottle (That's gonna be another problem later on when I try to wean)
2006-07-09 05:31:43 · update #1
This is *not* a bizarre question at all!! It's really common. In fact, many women think they don't have enough milk when baby is choking on it just as you describe!
First of all, nurse frequently; if it's been 2 hours since baby *started* the last feeding, nurse again (even if it means waking baby). This will keep the flow a bit lighter. If this isn't enough, there are 3 separate things you can try:
1. Nurse uphill. Lie on your back, or lean back against a pile of couch cushions or in a recliner. Put baby *above* the breast facing down. Nurse. Gravity will slow the milk flow somewhat.
2. Nurse on one breast for longer periods of time. If baby usually gets both breasts at every feeding, only give one. (Note: This is *only* if baby is overwhelmed by the force of the spray; normally, it is best to let baby decide one breast or two per feeding.) If you are already nursing on one breast per feeding, offer one breast for 4-6 hours before offering the other one. If the unused breast is slightly full, ignore it. If it is getting painful, pump *just a bit* to relieve the pressure.
3. Pump some milk *right before* you offer the same breast to baby. Start pumping; when the milk starts flowing, let it leak out until the flow stops or slows way down. Nurse immediately on that breast.
Do *not* pump and give bottles; any milk that you pump, put into the freezer for later if you will need it. You need to be *exclusively* nursing so that the baby will help your body adjust its production.
I would also like to point out that, even if you *don't* do anything about the problem, it will go away on its own as your body adjusts to your baby's specific needs and as baby matures and is able to deal with the fast flow better.
2006-07-09 07:27:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try pumping for a few minutes and then nursing when it starts to slow down a little. This way he will miss the first burst of milk and will hopefully be able to keep up with the rest of it. Be sure to save the milk you pumped, he can have this in a bottle when you're not around. The main thing is to stick with it, this is a really normal problem and it will work itself out. Your baby and your breasts are still getting to know eachother. So many women give up on breastfeeding because of things like this, but it really does get better and easier the longer you do it.
2006-07-09 05:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by cwoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is very normal, especially so early on. With time, it will slow down. I know the feeling - spraying so much baby doesn't even want it, wetting every shirt you wear within 20 minutes of putting it on - - the joys! It does slow down after a while. You can pump or express some milk before the feeding but don't express too much - your milk is divided between foremilk and hindmilk and both are important for baby. Foremilk is watery and helps baby to keep hydrated. Hindmilk is more concentrated in the nutrients (protein, fats, antibodies) and it's important for baby to get both during a full feeding. Good luck! All us breastfeeding moms have been where you are!
2006-07-09 07:53:33 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pump first then nurse. Overactive letdown is only a problem when you are engorged so you need to relieve some of the pressure. As he gets older, two things will happen, your milk supply will stabilize so you will have less of a problem and your baby will be bigger and stronger and more able to handle the force.
Good luck and thank you for asking for advice- many people give up because of this simple problem.
2006-07-09 06:08:57 · answer #4 · answered by AlongthePemi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had that too. Just express out some milk before you feed him. You might have to let him scream for a minute, but if you get that first rush of milk expressed out, he'll be a happier baby. Just express it into a bottle for later, or a cup and wash it down the sink.
2006-07-09 05:41:25 · answer #5 · answered by Velken 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a mother of 5 breastfed babies from 22 down to 12 months...I have always had this problem to I know how frustrating it is..The only thing you can do is remove him from the breast for a few seconds untill it slows down..I have a great breastfeeding website that might help you it is the best info that I have ever come across..www.kellymom.com I'm a pro at breastfeeding and it enlightned me with new knowledge of breastfeeding hang in their your little guy wont drown, he'll get used to the gushers and he will adjust I promise...Keep up the good work!!!!All of my five are genius and extremely healthy they never get sick..keep breastfeeding
2006-07-15 14:47:33 · answer #6 · answered by Angelina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pump the milk for a couple of minutes before nursing. You can freeze the milk to use on rice cereal if and when he's old enough for rice cereal.
2006-07-09 07:09:48 · answer #7 · answered by 10 pts for me? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try to manually express some of the milk until your let down occurs, then let your baby start drinking after that. This way he won't be startled with the sudden gush of milk.
2006-07-09 05:31:44 · answer #8 · answered by chamely_3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should try to pump. You must be producing more milk than he is eating. If you pump, then someone else can feed him with the bottle and give you a chance to relax.
2006-07-09 05:51:30 · answer #9 · answered by gEt In ThE cAr [DaRnIt] 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) express a little milk out before you nurse, in a sink.
2) it will get better when your son is about 2 months old, maybe sooner, when your milk supply gets regulated.
2006-07-09 08:50:31 · answer #10 · answered by ecdysis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋