Some moms leak breastmilk very readily. Often, this is from an abundant milk supply, because the milk is under pressure and flows out fast. But even moms with just enough milk might leak more than others.
An over-active let down can lead to these symptoms
- baby gulps rapidly, coughs, chokes, and swallows air
- swallowing air may contribute to reflux symptoms
- baby comes off the breast, backs away, gets sprayed with milk
- baby re-latches repeatedly
- later, your baby may get impatient when the milk flow slows down
- baby is very fussy at the breast and may start refusing to nurse
- Mom’s breasts often leak milk and plugged ducts may occur
To manage this issue
- Click here to learn how to manage an abundant milk supply.
- Lean back while nursing so milk has to flow “up-hill” against gravity.
- Consider catching the initial “flood” of milk in a cup or Haakaa.
- Avoid pumping before nursing, as supply may increase even more.
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