Expert: ruth kraft - 2/20/2010

Question
Hi, I have a 9 week old who I am eclusively breastfeeding. He just got prescribed to a medicine for reflux, so he is already pretty uncomfortable sometimes. I am having another problem though...I'm almost positive that I have an over-supply in both breasts. Sometimes, it's a battle to keep in on the breast, he'll only eat for about 5 minutes at a time, but actually seems pretty full and satisfied. Sometimes though, he'll latch on and start fussing and arching his back and kicking his legs, even scratching my sides sometimes. He also chokes on the milk alot. He keeps pulling off as well and when he does, my breasts are still spraying milk! I just don't want him to be any more uncomfortable, so my question is, what can I do to decrease the milk supply??

Thank you so much for your time and response.

Christine

Answer
This sounds more like a fast let down rather than reflux.  You can go to www.llli.org and find a volunteer who will observe the baby and make sure in person, but that is what it sounds like to me.

You can express a little with hand expression or a pump through the first let down so it ist so forceful when he drinks if you want. this can often be helpful. maybe even 2 letdowns. Over time it should get not so forceful.

I hope that helped!