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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

Very slow let down

9 replies

squifflybobs · 11/03/2011 20:07

This is my first post, although I'm a long term lurker. DS2 is 20 weeks and EBF. Since yesterday I've really been struggling to feed him (I am in New Zealand so this is my saturday morning ). My let down doesn't seem to kick in for several minutes of sucking, and this morning it was more like 15. He is getting very distressed - I have tried skin to skin, thinking about waterfalls etc. Obviously I'm now quite anxious about it myself, which I'm sure isn't making things better. He still feeds 2-3 times a night, so this has been a problem for a number of feeds now.

I've had no problems with let down with this baby to date, although it was an issue with DS1(age 2.7) and eventually caused me to give up BF, although not until after he started solids at 6 months. Once he realised he could get food more easily from other sources he was having nothing to do with breast feeding.....

Any advice gratefully received. I can access advice from a lactation consultant here, but probably not until monday morning which feels like a very long time away.

OP posts:

Habbibu · 11/03/2011 20:16

This is more of a bump (and welcome to MN posting) for you - does his latch feel the same? Could he have a sore mouth which is preventing him from latching properly and triggering letdown? Maybe try a bit of bonjela, or have a nice bath together and see if that kind of relaxation helps?

Anyway, hope someone who knows stuff will be along soon.

crikeybadger · 11/03/2011 20:47

Hi Squifflybobs,
sorry to hear you're having problems.

Here is the kellymom article on slow let down which may give you some other ideas.

hth

Original poster

squifflybobs · 11/03/2011 21:21

Thanks very much both. I don't think there is a problem with his latch - to be honest it's the best it's ever been. I've had mastitis a couple of times and often have cracked nipples as he's easily distracted and I'm a bit lazy about correcting his latch, but he's been fine for a couple of weeks now and I was feeling it was going really well.It's really odd that I managed to feed ok through the discomfort (which was pretty bad at times) of mastitis and now I seem to be having problems. I have had a tummy bug over the past few days, not sure if that has anything to do with it.

Thank you for the kellymom article - the let down cues look really helpful, although I'm wondering how long it will take to condition myself!

OP posts:

Albrecht · 11/03/2011 21:32

Sorry, stupid question - how do you know your let down didn't happen for 15 mins? (I've never been aware of mine)

Could he distressed for another reason? Maybe he has the tummy bug you had and is feeling uncomfortable?

Original poster

squifflybobs · 11/03/2011 22:25

Not a stupid question - I know lots of people never feel it. I get quite a strong tingling feeling and my non feeding breast always leaks when my milk comes in, so I know it wasn't happening. Plus DS doesn't start to swallow until there's some milk there.
I did think during the night that perhaps I'd had let down while still asleep as I was co-sleeping with him and sometimes it happens while he's getting restless next to me before I've regained consciousness myself. However, he was so obviously agitated before and immediately content when I felt milk coming that I thought it must have taken a while. And it did take a long time this morning- I timed it.

I don't think he has my bug (yet) as he's fine once I have managed to feed him, but watching out for it

OP posts:

Albrecht · 11/03/2011 22:40

Ah ok, I understand. Well I can't think of anything helpful except keep on with the skin to skin and see someone when you can. Sorry. Good luck.

Original poster

squifflybobs · 11/03/2011 22:56

Thanks for responding - will do

OP posts:

PenguinArmy · 12/03/2011 00:04

Sorry I don't have any advice.

I suffered with this and I remember 3-6 months being particularly horrible. It has lessened with time, but that screaming in the middle of the night because they food now is a nightmare. I'd say from about 9 months I had no problems, maybe before.

I used to keep switching sides until we got there, sometimes would distract with a frozen toy (as during teething episodes it was worse). Even nor at 12 months, she'll often have a go at 3 sides before getting to let-down, but I guess she has got used to this way of feeding so is more patient.

Anymore more of a 'this shall pass' post, but good luck anyway and give yourself permission to find it stressful. Don't however think about bad things while your trying to feed (i.e. MIL issues) as that will def. inhibit the letdown

Original poster

squifflybobs · 12/03/2011 19:49

Thanks very much - even if you don't have any specific advice it's good to hear you managed to get through it. With DS1 we struggled on to 6 months, and then I was relieved to have an excuse to give up as I went back to work. This time I'm not going back for a while so was hoping to feed for longer.

It's been a bit better today, am doing lots of cuddling, deep breathing etc. Funny you should mention MIL issues. This week she intimated to DP that she thought I was being selfish for continuing to BF when my tiredness and illness (with mastitis) is impinging on overall family happiness. Am seething - but that's a whole other thread. don't think it's the root of this problem though - may post seperately about it

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