Can you slow the flow?

[TheLamberts]

My baby and I have pretty well established good breast feeding. We have good latch, she's gaining weight, seems content after feedings & has plenty of wet/dirty diapers. But once my milk starts flowing it can come on pretty heavy at times. I watch for when it is coming so I can pull her away while it slows but if I don't pull her away in time it causes her to start coughing. I don't believe it's bad enough to be a danger to her but it would be easier for both of us if we could slow the flow! I have already tried to pump some before I feed because it worked for my sister-in-law I guess but it didn't work for us. We still have less than 2 weeks at this so I would Love to hear from the mamas who have done been here and done this! Any tips/tricks/advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

[charliesmommy]

I'm totally jealous that you have that much milk. Wow!

I'm going to guess that she will get used to your flow with time. Sorry I can't offer more. Have you called your ped?

[TheLamberts]

we see ped tomorrow. she had some breathings problems right after birth and had to stay a week in the nicu and up there they had me pump after every single feeding so maybe that is why the flow is so heavy but I just gotta get it under control! we are both soaked after each feeding. I use receiving blankets for burp clothes! (mind you I am very small chested as well so size really DOESNT matter!)

[charliesmommy]

Actually, I think size does matter and with nursing smaller is better. You're not the first small chested mom I've know of having an amazing amount of milk.

Have you tried pumping one while she's nursing on the other? That may help with the mess.

[lismom2]

Basically, you can reposition your lo or you can only nurse on one side
Here is a great description on how to do both Hugs mama, I hope this helps You're doing great!

[Newmom!]

I don't know how to slow the flow, but my baby had the same issues for a few weeks. I think by 2 months he could handle the flow. Keep sitting her up when she starts to cough.
Other strategies - lay down and position her above you, that way gravity will allow the milk she can't handle to fall away from her mouth/throat (FYI I didn't really figure out how to do this comfortably, maybe it will work for you though).

I smelled like sour milk for several weeks before everything settled. I think the 6 week mark everthing was starting to get better and the 3 month mark was the magic mark where everything seemed to come together very smoothly.

Someone mentioned nursing on only one side. When my son was 6-8 weeks old I started to do this. It took a week or two, but my breasts were able to start to regulate so that only the side that was about to be nursed upon felt full. Of course, it wasn't until the 3 month mark that I wasn't getting engorged :-) (I told you that was the magic date).

Best of luck and try to have fun, nursing can be very rewarding.

[mamasocal]

that is totally normal. it takes for baby a little bit to get used to your let down and your body will soon regulate milk as well. baby wont choke its okay and perfectly normal