MER or also known as overactive letdown is a sign that a breastfeeding mom has an overabundant milk supply. This usually happens during the first few weeks or up to 3 months postpartum, making sure that your baby will have enough milk through your breastfeeding journey. However, the amount of milk can sometimes be overwhelming for your baby and if your nursling does the following, it only indicates that you are having a forceful letdown.
- Choking
- Coughing
- Crying and pulls off from the breast while nursing
- Spits milk and has a gassy tummy
If this happens very often, this could cause problems and may affect your nursing sessions with your baby. But don’t worry, there are still a lot of ways for you to manage your milk production and ways to have your baby cope with a fast flow to make your breastfeeding journey a success.
Also read about the Latching and Breastfeeding Position.
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What can you do if you have an overactive letdown?
Most moms find it hard to control overactive letdowns and sometimes they tend to limit the feeding session to reduce the amount of milk. But remember, your milk is just what your baby needs and there are some ways for you to cope with the flow of your breastmilk. Here are a few things you can do:
- Practice Laid Back Nursing
This is the best breastfeeding position especially if you’re having a forceful letdown. To do this, let your baby nurse on you while facing belly-to-belly. After, you can let your baby latch onto your breast by him/herself. This way the breast milk flow slows and your baby will be able to get the proper amount of milk.
- Clampdown
To slow down the milk flow, you can clamp your areola with your index and middle finger that way your baby won’t be overwhelmed with your breastmilk. Just make sure to take breaks to avoid hand cramps or any discomfort on your end.
- Pull off a baby during a forceful letdown
Another great way to avoid your baby struggling from a forceful letdown is to pull him off your breast and let him nurse again when your milk flow slows. This will keep your baby comfortable all throughout the session. But remember, every drop counts so don’t put your breastmilk into waste during a letdown. What you can do is hand express your milk into a bottle or a breastmilk bag and save it for future feedings.
- Block Feeding
To control the overactive letdown, you can try block feeding where you only offer one side of your breast during sessions. This is a way of reducing your milk supply without limiting the baby’s feeding session. In case your baby still wants to continue, you can just offer the same side. And if your other breast feels uncomfortable, you can hand express for a little bit and then put on a cold compress for at least 30 minutes to get rid of discomfort and reduce milk production.
Related: Benefits of Responsive Feeding Explained
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my baby is gaining more weight than average?
If your baby is gaining weight more than the average, you can do block feeding or check with your lactation consultant about proper ways to reduce your baby’s weight without risking your milk supply and breastfeeding sessions.
- Can I use a pacifier during a forceful letdown?
Although some may not recommend it, some moms find it convenient to use a pacifier to comfort colicky babies. Normally a breastfeeding session lasts for 30 minutes but for moms having a forceful letdown, it doesn’t last a long time. So if your baby still wants to suckle for comfort, you may use a pacifier. Just a note though, don’t use a pacifier too often to avoid a gassy tummy.
- Does my baby get good milk on forceful letdown?
Your breastmilk is perfect. But with the proper balance of hindmilk and foremilk, that’s when the baby gets the right nutrition. However, moms with overactive letdown either have a colic baby or a gassy tummy because of consuming too much foremilk. Hindmilk is the creamy and fat-rich part of the breast milk that provides satisfaction and nourishment while foremilk is the watery part of the breast milk that is lactose-rich which is good for hydration and energy. If you think your baby is consuming too much foremilk, try to breastfeed more frequently. You can also consult your lactation consultant for more advice.
Breastfeeding your toddler? Also read Extended breastfeeding: benefits and faqs
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Helping your baby deal with Overactive letdown
Aside from the above tips in dealing with forceful letdowns and oversupply, here are some additional tips that you can do with your baby for a more comfortable breastfeeding session.
- Lean back with a recliner or pillow and cradle-hold your baby.
- Football-hold your baby with you leaning back.
- Side-lying position.
- Sitting baby up facing your breast (This is the best position when you’re breastfeeding in public.)
- Pump or hand express your milk during a forceful letdown using a breastmilk bag, you can store it and save it for later feeding, especially if you’re back working.
- Burp your baby frequently, this is to avoid gassy tummy and discomfort.
- Nurses frequently make sure to set a schedule for your breastfeeding session where you’re both comfortable and relaxed. The more relaxed your baby is, the more gentle he/she will suckle so the milk will flow slower.
Final Thoughts
The way to successful breastfeeding needs hard work and patience. We know that it can be overwhelming for you and your baby but don’t lose hope. With the information we provided above, you’ll surely be able to deal with your overactive letdown and oversupply. And with these adjustments, your body will be able to go back to its normal milk production. Lastly, don’t forget to consult your lactation consultant for other advice about successful breastfeeding.
Need help from a lactation expert? Find an IBCLC near you.
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