5 Tips To Help With A Fast Let-Down While Breastfeeding
Having a fast let-down can be challenging. I know from personal experience. I have a fast let-down and I often find myself or my baby drenched in breast milk, or my baby is choking because my milk is coming out faster than she can take it in. It’s definitely not easy to nurse in public and be subtle about it ha.
No matter if you’re a first time mom or third time mom, breastfeeding is certainly a journey that comes with ups and downs. If you also find yourself with a fast let-down while breastfeeding your baby, here are some tips to help you and your baby have a smoother breastfeeding experience.
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1. Try Reclined Nursing
A reclined or laid-back position uses gravity to slow the flow of your milk. I love a nursing chair that has a reclining option for this very reason. You could also maneuver into a reclining position on your bed or couch using pillows.
2. Use Your Hand to Slow Your Flow
You can use your hand to gently press on the top or side of your breast to slow down the flow of milk.
3. Feed Your Baby Upright
Have your baby sit in a more upright position will your nurse. You could have them face directly towards you or use your arm to support their head and body while tilting them in a more upright cradle-hold position.
4. Pump Before Nursing
Use a manual or electric breast pump to start a feeding session and pump until your let down is through. Then nurse your baby. Be sure to put your breast milk in the refrigerator or freeze for future use.
5. Take Baby Off During Your Let-Down
You could also start your nursing session with your baby as usual and once your let-down is initiated, take your baby off the breast and use a Haaka or Elvie Curve to catch your let-down. You may have to use your hand to continue to stimulate and empty your milk for your let-down. Once your let-down is through, you can put baby back on and continue to nurse.
I also use a Haakaa or Elvie Curve to catch my let-down on the opposite side while nursing and save it to build a freezer stash. Because let-down happens on both sides simultaneously, there’ a chance you’ll have breastmilk coming out both sides, especially during times like the mornings when you are fuller. If you don’t catch the milk with something, you or your baby could end up covered in breast milk and it’s wasted milk. This way you are able to stay dry and catch the extra milk for future use.
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