Treatment
There are effective remedies for overactive let-down, and oversupply syndrome, however aggressive treatment should be watched carefully by someone familiar with the condition as the mother is at a higher risk for plug ducts, mastitis and other breast infections.
An Overactive let-down can take a long time to control and can be frustrating for the mother and baby, but when controlled effectively a long and satisfying breastfeeding relationship is possible. Mothers with this condition are often given various incorrect rationales for their concerns such as "having weak milk", or "bad milk", it's "just colic", the baby will "grow out of it", or the child is "allergic to your milk", or a food in the mother's diet.
There are no valid reasons to stop breastfeeding due to this condition.
A strong letdown reflex often coincides with overactive milk production, engorgement, and problems with the sucking/breathing pattern of the baby. Remedies for engorgement and excessive breast milk can include restricting fluid intake for the mother. This helps to reduce excessive milk production. The fluid intake can be resumed when the engorged feeling subsides. When preparing to nurse, mothers should allow the initial letdown reflex to occur and then subside before beginning the nursing session. Or they may stop the nursing momentarily until that strong letdown reflex passes. This will allow the milk flow to normalize.
For very young infants, it helps to pump several ounces of the initial milk flow. This watery fluid is less filling for the baby and can reduce the possibility of an overfull baby. It can extend the nursing session which is preferable for young infants.When nursing, listen carefully to the breathing and sucking pattern of the baby. If the pattern is interrupted and it sounds as if the baby is struggling to swallow, gently slip a finger in the baby's mouth and remove the nipple until the baby is able to swallow and breathe. Also, have a hand towel near during nursing. It can be easily tucked into the bra to absorb the overflow of milk when waiting for that letdown reflex to subside.
Read more about this topic: Overactive Let-down
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