Strong let down causing problems

[TrinaTree]

I think I've finally worked out why my baby (nearly 11 weeks) is a nightmare feeder. Baby was very small when born and is still pretty tiny (still in newborn baby grows which are too big). Baby is fine when my milk volume is high. I have a really strong let down at times and baby loves this. Any other time isn't able to get any or much milk out.

Is this common? Can I fix it? It's exhausting as he has never fed for more than 10 minutes. I think it's the reason he is up at night too.

Can anyone help me fix this and help him feed?

Strong let down as in, milk sprays out like a fire hose at let down time?

if that’s what you mean - I had this too and also small babies, it led to fast feeds but also choking and spluttering at times, and a lot of wind issues as they were swallowing so much air. One also had tongue tie which meant a rubbish latch (well actually they both did but got it sorted very early with the 2nd).

Solutions for us were 1) getting tongue tie snipped so they could latch properly and 2) side lying feeding to slow down the flow to avoid choking. Also lots of winding to ensure they were actually full with milk not air.

@minipie yes wind is a big problem here. Lots of tears until a big burp or fart comes out!

We do side lying at home but of course not possible when we are out.

I also weirdly only have strong letdown at certain times of the day (yep, milk spraying everywhere!), and at all other times feeding just doesn't happen. It's like baby just can't get the milk out unless it's a forceful letdown.

I would really suggest getting checked for tongue tie by someone trained to spot it (not a gp) bf counsellor or lactation consultant is best. I saw a private lactation consultant, not cheap but worth every penny as she immediately spotted the issues and advised on fixes.

Also recommend winding very often during the feed, not just at the end.
Laying dd down and then sitting them up helped us. Though at 11 weeks burping should be getting easier?

TBH I didn’t feed out and about till they were older as they were liable to come off the boob leaving me spraying...

Try spraying into a cloth, then latch him on so he can get it at a more manageable pace.