How to Deal With Overactive Milk Ejection Reflex

Breastfeeding can be a challenge for both mother and baby, but the benefits usually make it worth the effort. If your baby cries at the breast and has difficulty keeping up with the milk flow, you might have an overactive milk ejection reflex. This forceful letdown might cause a baby to gulp, sputter and choke while attempting to breastfeed, because the milk flows at an accelerated rate. With a few modifications, you can make it easier for your baby to breastfeed in this situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Breast pump
  • Towel

Instructions

    • 1

      Express milk manually prior to putting your baby to the breast, advises a Breastfeeding Solutions Resource published by the USDA National Agricultural Library. Hand-express milk into a cup until the extreme force of the letdown passes. You could also pump your breast with a breast pump for a minute or two before breastfeeding your baby. Another option involves spraying the excessive letdown into a towel. After the milk flow slows, put your baby to the breast.

    • 2

      Hold your baby at the breast so he is above or even with the breast instead of nestled under it, advises international board certified lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata, with the KellyMom website. This position will make it easier for your little one to handle the fast flow because gravity should lessen it somewhat. Achieve this position by leaning back in a recliner or lying down on a bed with several pillows supporting your upper body. Position your baby so he is semi-sitting beside you to latch on or tummy-to-tummy so he is above the breast.

    • 3

      Place your index and third fingers around your nipple in ̶0;scissors̶1; fashion as you support your breast for your baby. Apply firm pressure to your breast with your fingers to moderate the milk flow.

    • 4

      Offer only one breast per feeding to help regulate your supply, advises La Leche League International. An overactive letdown often accompanies issues with oversupply, which can combine to create a difficult situation for your baby. By offering only one side every two hours, your breasts will gradually readjust supply to match your baby̵7;s needs, which should lessen overactive letdown. Express milk from the other breast to relieve discomfort if it feels uncomfortably full, but only for about 20 to 30 seconds.

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