Help needed dealing with (I think) forceful let down and v upset 3wo!

[roamingwest]

I've been ebf my 3wo DD and its been going really well - weight up, lots of wet nappies, although pooing only once every day (but nice and soft and yellow).

She has always gulped at the beginning of feeds but never got upset, but over the last few days has started to cry and scream and pull off during feeds (not just at the beginning) - despite me trying things like expressing off a bit before starting to feed, and putting pressure on the areola during feeds. She's also really gassy and difficult to wind which I'm sure is related to this.

Was feeding her in front of MIL yesterday and felt so embarrassed as baby was getting so upset and distressed! Didnt think I'd ever say it but not sure I'll be able to continue BF if this continues as won't be able to feed outside our house - help please!

Should have said also that I have been to a local BF group and the advice I got from the counsellor was that its normal for babies to be windy?? (not sure though to this extent) and my latch looked ok.

do get checked for tongue tie (esp posterior tie) as this could also cause what you're describing. especially if it gets worse over time.

to help with forceful let down, try leaning back while feeding so that your nipple points upwards into your baby's mouth. the idea is that the milk squirts upwards so gravity slows it down a bit. you could also try catching the first spurts of milk in a towel and only feeding once flow has slowed.

Express a little off before you start. Latch baby on till you feel let down, then take her off and let it spray on to a muslin before relatching. Lean back when feeding, and try the rugby hold position so baby is a bit more upright.

Hi I have a stupidly forceful let down. It is an utter PITA at the beginning BUT like most things baby related it dies get better. My DS used to do the exact same now he gets upset if it is not quick enough.

Firstly are you sure it is the let down? Are you 'squirting' everywhere?

If so as others have said lean back, tho fir me this did nothing really. But as nilly said for me I was armed with LOTS is muslins, start feed when you feel let down take off 'catch' milk until it slows. Baby will scream and you will feel miserable but this is preferable to a windy baby! The other thing you can do is block feed (so only feeding off one side for a block of time. Search Kellymom and over supply and there is info on this). This is what eventually sorted me out.

3 weeks is very early days, getting used to feeding infront of people takes time and a certain knack (especially with your ILs!!!). I find havi g muslins handy helps me keep my modesty at times...tho to be honest I have got past the point of caring! So you can sling one over your boob when DD pulls off.

You are doing really well, good luck.

Sorry for typos!

Oh also be careful at expressing before the feed. What you ate aiming for is to regulate your supply as once your body has adjusted your let down will settle. But if you tell your body you need more than you do (so by expressing) it will produce that amount.

By the way it will sort it self out. Just takes time.

Bloody Phone/sleep deprivation means lots of typos. Sorry!