Why does my letdown choke my baby?

Understanding the Choking Hazard During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can also come with challenges. One such challenge is the phenomenon of choking, which can occur when a baby is overwhelmed by the flow of breast milk. This situation is primarily linked to what is known as overactive letdown or forceful letdown.
What is Overactive Letdown?
Overactive letdown refers to a condition where the milk ejection reflex is excessively strong, causing milk to flow out of the breast too quickly for the baby to handle. This can lead to choking, gagging, or coughing, particularly at the beginning of a feeding session when the letdown is most forceful. Dr. Joanna E. Perdomo, a pediatrician, notes that this choking typically happens shortly after the baby begins to feed, as the rush of milk can be too intense for them to manage.
Causes of Overactive Letdown
Several factors can contribute to overactive letdown. One significant cause is oversupply of breast milk, where the body produces more milk than the baby needs. This excess can lead to a rapid flow of milk during feeding, overwhelming the baby. Additionally, the letdown reflex can be triggered by various stimuli, including the baby’s suckling, which can sometimes result in a forceful release of milk.
Symptoms and Reactions
When a baby experiences overactive letdown, they may exhibit several signs. Common reactions include gagging, coughing, or pushing away from the breast, indicating that they are struggling to keep up with the flow. This can also lead to discomfort, as the baby may become gassy or colicky due to swallowing air while trying to manage the fast flow of milk.
Managing Overactive Letdown
Fortunately, there are strategies that mothers can employ to help manage this issue. One effective method is to hand express a small amount of milk before starting a feeding session. This can help reduce the initial force of the letdown, making it easier for the baby to latch and feed comfortably. Additionally, positioning the baby in a more upright position during feeding can help them better manage the flow of milk.
Conclusion
While choking during breastfeeding can be alarming, understanding the underlying causes of overactive letdown can empower mothers to take proactive steps to ensure a safer feeding experience. By recognizing the signs and implementing strategies to manage milk flow, mothers can help create a more comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding journey for both themselves and their babies.

Why does my baby keep choking on my breast milk?

Usually, this happens when mom has an oversupply of milk. According to the La Leche League International (LLLI), common signs of oversupply include restlessness at the breast, coughing, choking, or gulping milk, especially at let down, and biting on the nipple to stop the flow of milk, among others.

Will my baby be OK after choking?

Your child will likely be fine after the coughing spell. If your child was choking and is now unconscious and no longer breathing, send someone to call 911. Perform CPR right away if you know how. Take your child for medical care after any serious choking episode, especially if there is a lasting cough or wheezing.

Why does my baby make a gasping sound while breastfeeding?

It is a very complex and intricately timed process. When a baby is gagging /choking or spluttering at the breast it is generally because the smooth coordination of the suck-swallow-breathe rhythm has been disrupted and the swallow and breathe is mis-timed.

How many letdowns per feed?

There are usually 2-4 letdowns per nursing session, but you may not realize it unless you pay close attention to baby’s suckling pattern.

What position to breastfeed to avoid choking?

Side-lying position
So this position may be best once both you and your baby are used to breastfeeding. Lie on your side with pillows to support your back and head. Face your baby toward your breast, supporting the baby with one hand.

Does forceful letdown go away?

Once your baby is about 2 months old, your body should have learned how much milk it needs to make. This is typically when you’ll stop feeling the overactive letdown, or it will be less painful; however, some women will continue to experience a forceful letdown after 2 months.

Can overactive letdown cause reflux?

Breastmilk oversupply or forceful let-down (milk ejection reflex) can cause reflux-like symptoms, and usually can be remedied with simple measures.

How do I stop my baby from choking on let down?

It may help to position the baby so that the back of the baby’s throat is higher than your nipple. This way the milk will not collect in the back of the baby’s mouth. This position also gives the baby more control of the flow of milk.

Why does my baby sound like he’s choking while feeding?

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

What are the symptoms of an overactive letdown?

Signs of forceful letdown
With a forceful letdown the tingling sensation may be painful. You may notice excessive leaking from the side where your baby is not feeding. Your baby may pull off the breast and the milk squirts out. You may have blanching (whitening) of the nipple with burning nipple pain after nursing.