Or does your baby gulp and sputter during feedings, pull of the nipple chocking, arch or become agitated while feeding? This is an over-active let-down reflex.
Reduce breastmilk supply
- Sage or jasmine tea. Begin with ½ cup tea daily and increase gradually until results are seen.
- Peppermint tea 2-4 cups per day until results are seen
- Peppermint candies (Altoids Starlight mints, York Peppermint Patties, etc)
- Discontinue any pumping if possible or if necessary pump only to relieve fullness, not to empty the breast
- Breastfeed on one breast per feeding, alternating breasts
- Apply cabbage treatment 2-3 times per day for 15-30 minutes for 1-2 days or until breasts soften. (avoid if allergic to sulfa or a rash develops)
- Wash chilled green cabbage leaves
- Score the surface to release juices
- Wrap leaves around breast, your bra will hold them in place
- Wear for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per day
- Take birth control pills for 4- 6 days in resistant cases (consult with your MD)
- Take Vitamin B6 (pyrixodine) 600 mg per day in resistant cases (consult with your MD)
- Discontinue treatment as soon as you see your milk supply begin to decrease!
Control the let-down reflex
- Position your baby in upright position (straddle hold or sitting football hold) while leaning back
- Use Australian hold (mother lying on back with baby positioned on top)
- Elicit let-down before putting baby to breast with hand simulation or breast pump for 2-3 minutes
- Compress your breast firmly with your fingers on top and bottom. This compresses about ½ of your milk ducts. Release after the first burst of milk is over.
- Interrupt feeding to burp baby frequently