Our baby is thriving, but I have a problem with nursing that local consultants have not solved. He chokes horribly 4-6 times a day during feedings. This can occur at the beginning, middle or end of feedings, and so seems unrelated to engorgement.

I have tried holding him in different positions, disconnecting him periodically, and rubbing, patting etc as I feed him. I hate seeing him choking and in such discomfort and would greatly appreciate your help.

Thank you!






Dear Heidi,

I am an LC from www.Breastfeeding.com answering your question about choking at the breast. Actually, this is a well known phenomenon usually called "Overactive Letdown" or "Over abundant milk supply". It is easily corrected!

First, if you have been using both breasts at every feeding, then you need to now use only one breast per feeding. You can put him back on that breast as many times as he desires, just don't use the other one for a two hour period. If you have already been using one breast per feeding, then you need to go to one breast for a four hour period or for two feedings. The idea is to reduce the supply. Do not put off feedings though because that just makes the flow harder. You can gently express a little milk in the full breast to relieve any discomfort until it is time to use that breast again. Extra pumping is not recommended during this period.

Once the choking has reduced, you can go back to one breast per feeding. The only time you need to use both breasts might be during a growth spurt. This situation also requires more burping than usual. Another trick is to take baby off the breast when he is choking and let that rushing milk flow into a diaper for a few seconds. You can also lay in a recliner and let gravity reduce the speed of the flow by laying the baby on top of you. Both of those measures will help until the one sided feedings reduce the flow for you.

It can take as long as a week to see an improvement although some moms report an improvement in only a day or two. Has Alex also had colic or excess crying at any time? Let me know if you have any questions on this. And check back with me after you have tried this for a couple days. Good luck!!!

Sincerely,

Elaine Matheny, BS, IBCLC, LLL Leader





 

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