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Infant feeding

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

Help needed with slow letdown

5 replies

fieldofwheat · 10/07/2019 17:19

DS2 is just 4 months old and has been exclusively breastfed since birth. I've had no issues up until now, great latch, no pain and no letdown or supply issues.

I've always had a noticeable letdown, a feeling of pressure which usually kicks in with a minute. At this point I would also notice a change in his sucking/swallowing.

Over the last week I have noticed that it has been taking longer and longer for the letdown to occur. I realise that it is possible to stop feeling it altogether but I'm fairly certain it's not happening as my son will start to fuss and pull off the breast after a few minutes - clearly frustrated that there is no milk flowing.

I've done the usual google searches and tried various techniques to help speed it up but I'm having no luck. And the issue seem to be getting worse - it's affecting more feedings and that delay is getting longer (5 mins plus).

I had the same issue with DS1 at nearer 6 months. I did visit the GP who was unsympathetic and told me just to switch to formula. I've been really enjoying nursing DS2 so am reluctant to switch just yet.

Anyone with similar experiences or any suggestions? I'm thinking of trying the GP again as reading suggests an oxytocin nasal spray can help with letdown - any success stories?

Thanks for reading

OP posts:
fieldofwheat · 10/07/2019 21:09

Bumping

OP posts:
moreismore · 10/07/2019 21:13

Have a look on fb at Dr Jack Newman-he’s a bf expert and happy to answer questions via there. Also maybe contact la leche league? Other things to try would be make sure you’re eating and drinking enough, fenugreek and eat lots of oats to boost your supply. Consider pumping between feeds also.
Any chance he’s teething? Have you noticed a shallower latch? You could also try gentle breast compression as he feeds and see if that improves flow enough for him to persist!
Bf support via GPs always seems a bit rubbish so be prepared to be determined! Good luck!

moreismore · 10/07/2019 21:16

ibconline.ca/breastcompression/

moreismore · 10/07/2019 21:24

Also look into delayed onset decreased milk supply ibconline.ca/decreased/

Hope that helps!

fieldofwheat · 11/07/2019 09:59

@moreismore thank so you much for taking the time to reply. This is all really helpful.

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