Baby vomits during feeding, is she drinking too much?

Sometimes after I get thru nursing or in the middle of nursing my baby will vomit and it's not spit up because there's too much of it. Could it be that she is drinking too much?






Congratulations on your brand new baby! I can't believe you have time to use the computer! I am an LC in WV answering your question about the spitting up little Summer is doing. She certainly has been gaining weight well in the short time since she was born!

There is a situation that does result in extra vomiting or spitting up called "overactive letdown" which is really when the mother has more milk that the baby needs and it comes faster than the baby can swallow so the baby does quite a bit of gulping. Usually this takes a couple weeks to develop but it is possible that you have an abundant supply and that is what may be causing your problem. Have you had any sore nipples or soreness in the breast?

Are you using a pacifier or any formula? Are you doing any pumping? Pumping aggravates the problem and you should not pump right now. I have specific instructions you can follow to reduce your supply but I need to hear back from you that this sounds like what is happening. In the meantime, you can stop the baby during her feed to burp. This type of baby needs to burp more often. It is also best not to hold off nursing but to nurse as often as baby wants to nurse. Let some of the first milk that flows fast run into a diaper before feeding her. In other words, take her off the breast when she first starts to gulp and let that milk flow away for now. Your supply will begin to adjust very soon. Please write back and give me some feedback so I can further explore this with you. In the meantime, there is nothing seriously wrong since she is gaining well. Do not let it worry you!

Sincerely,

Elaine Matheny, BS, IBCLC, LLL Leader





 

Important Disclaimer

This Breastfeeding.com service is designed to help visitors obtain advice and guidance. You are solely responsible for the outcome of any services and/or advice you are given.   Breastfeeding.com is not responsible for any services and/or advice given by the consultants, and shall not be liable or responsible to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be have been caused, directly or indirectly by the information or ideas contained, suggested, or referenced. Your participation in this service is solely at your own risk