In the early weeks of breastfeeding, it's quite common to feel occasionally distraught with breastfeeding concerns. As your hormones continue to adjust from pregnancy, birth, and throughout the first postpartum year, you'll notice that your breastmilk production and baby's feeding patterns change too!
Amidst the many transitions happening this time, your lactation is slowly transitioning from a "all you can eat" system to a "as you ordered" system. This process takes some time to complete. It's perfectly common and normal to experience a forceful letdown a few weeks into nursing, varying from hearing your baby chug away, to your baby unlatching themself to cough as your milk sprays like an open firehose. Wherever you are on this spectrum, there are ways to support your and your baby's comfort during feedings.
Upright.
An upright position can help your baby swallow a quick flow. This position works best in a sitting or lying position, where your baby can sit on your lap or on the floor/bed up against you. It also works very well while babywearing! Be sure to support your baby's back and head as necessary to prevent slouching. This position is typically easier with babies greater than 8-12 weeks old, and great for babies who experience reflux issues.
Recline.
This position is great for all ages, but particularly easier for newborns less than 12 weeks who can't support their heads well. It can also be more restful for you because it requires less work supporting your baby's body. A reclining position works well in a recliner or propped up in bed or on the couch with cozy pillows. A reclined position with your baby laying belly-to-belly on you to nurse promotes a deeper latch while maintaining a semi-upright position. This is my go-to position for mamababy's working with a forceful letdown.
Letdown and Relatch.
Babies are wise, and will naturally unlatch for a breath of fresh air if the letdown is too intense to continue nursing. If this is a recurring pattern, it's okay to stimulate your letdown with or without your baby's help, then simply catch any milk that flows from that letdown until the flow is manageable again. I do advise to let the your letdown flow without any additional stimulation to prevent a further increase in production, and to save any pumping activity until after the feeding is over, when possible. If collecting milk is important to you and your breastfeeding journey, you can use a silicone pump, bottle, cup, or bowl to save any free-flowing milk.
Prevent Engorgement.
Intense letdowns can happen for different reasons, engorgement being a popular one, especially in the early postpartum weeks. Nursing your baby on their own schedule, providing yourself with non-restrictive, supportive bras, and practicing self breast massages can help ease the tightness and heaviness associated with engorgement, prevent mastitis, and help you and your baby maintain a comfortable breastfeeding rhythm.
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Lynnea is a mother of 2, RN turned traditional birthkeeper, and certified Ayurvedic postpartum doula. Lynnea lives and plays in the western upper peninsula of Michigan, serving mothers in the northwoods of the UP and Wisconsin, and offering virtual pregnancy and postpartum support to mothers worldwide.
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