MOP72

I also had a lot of problems with a forceful letdown. It can be very difficult but it does get better with time. Others have already mentioned the things that helped me most. I resorted to feeding him lying down (sideways), somehow this seemed the best position for us. If I had to do it sitting down I would slouch a lot so he was almost coming at the breast from the top and if he would pull away when too much milk was coming I would let it come out until it was manageable and then he would come back on. My son did have a period of refusing the breast but it didn't last too long with persistence (I am still breastfeeding and he's over a year now!). The breastfeeding cafe at Townley Road Clinic was very useful. Once he got older and I started feeding him less often the problem paradoxically got better. I wonder if I was feeding him too often keeping my supply higher than needed. I think he was a bit of a snacker. I don't know anything about expressing as I never got around to it but I wondered when reading your post whether your supply could have gone up even more because of expressing? You've probably have already thought of that but thought I would say it just in case. My son also had really bad gas issues. I tried Infacol and Gripe Water but none of it seemed to help. Something that did help was to keep him upright after feeds for as long as possible. I think someone recommended an hour after each feed which I typically didn't manage to do but even 15 minutes helped. Lots of burping after feeds as well. I found that at times going up and down the stairs helped too! All the wind issues went away once he started rolling over and began sleeping on his tummy or his side. Whatever you decide to do about breastfeeding/expressing/formula don't feel guilty! You need to do whatever works best for you. Happy mummy equals happy healthy baby. Good luck!

Hi all, I'm new to East Dulwich and eager to meet other mums to be (and recent mums!) in the area as I am due to have my first baby next month. I saw the post about breakfast this weekend. Would it be ok if I came along to Franklin's this Saturday? Mia