How to Tell If You Have a Forceful Letdown and What to Do About It

How Can I Manage a Forceful Letdown?

Sometimes when a parent is breastfeeding, their milk can come out really fast and strong at the start of a feeding. This is called a forceful letdown. It can make feedings a little tricky for both the parent and the baby.

If your baby is coughing, gulping, or pulling away at the beginning of a feeding, or if milk sprays when your baby unlatches, you might be dealing with a fast letdown. Some parents feel their letdown as a tingly or full feeling in the chest, but others don’t feel it at all. That’s okay. You can still learn to spot it in other ways.

What is Letdown?

Letdown happens when your body starts to release milk from the milk-making glands into the ducts so it can flow out through the nipple. This usually happens a minute or two after your baby starts nursing. You might have more than one letdown during a feeding.

For some people, letdown is gentle and goes unnoticed. For others, the milk can come fast and strong, especially during the first letdown. This can be surprising for new parents, and it can sometimes be overwhelming for the baby too.

Signs Your Letdown Might Be Forceful

Even if you don’t feel a strong letdown, your baby might give you clues. Watch for:

• Baby suddenly gulping or swallowing quickly

• Baby pulling off the breast or fussing a few minutes into the feeding

• Milk leaking or spraying from your nipple when baby unlatches

• A clicking sound during nursing, which might mean your baby is trying to manage the flow

These signs might not happen every time, but they can be helpful in figuring out what’s going on.

Ways to Manage a Fast Letdown

The good news is that many parents find simple changes make a big difference. Here are some things you can try:

1. Use a laid-back position

When you lean back and let your baby lie tummy-down on your chest, gravity helps slow the flow of milk. This makes it easier for your baby to keep up with the letdown. This position can also help you both feel more relaxed.

You don’t have to lean back a lot. Just leaning into a comfy chair or propping yourself up on pillows might do the trick.

2. Catch the first letdown

If your baby struggles with the first rush of milk, try hand-expressing a little before latching. You can also let the milk spray into a cloth or pad until the flow slows. Then, latch your baby once the milk is easier to manage.

Some parents notice their baby gets more upset when very hungry. Offering the breast more often, even before baby is showing strong hunger signs, can help them be calmer and more ready to nurse gently.

3. Try side-lying nursing

Nursing while lying on your side can also help. This way, milk can flow out of your baby’s mouth instead of flooding it. It can be a nice way to rest while feeding too, especially at night.

4. Burp and switch sides more often

Taking breaks during a feeding to burp your baby or switch sides can give your baby a little time to catch up and settle. Some parents find it helps to use just one breast per feeding to avoid stimulating extra letdowns on both sides.

Keep in Mind

Forceful letdown often gets easier with time. Your body and your baby learn to work together better with practice. If your baby is gaining weight well and has plenty of wet and dirty diapers, things are probably going fine, even if feedings feel a little wild right now.

Still, it’s okay to want feeding time to feel calmer and more comfortable for both of you. These small changes can help, and so can talking with others who’ve been through it. You’re not alone.

Want to Talk More?

La Leche League Leaders are here to help. Many parents have gone through this and found ways to make feeding more comfortable for themselves and their babies. You can too.

The best way to get the most out of your experience with La Leche League is by joining a meeting. It’s a great chance to hear how others have handled similar challenges and to learn from a variety of perspectives. Everyone’s journey is a little different, and being in a space with other parents can help you find the ideas and support that fit your family best.

You can also contact a Leader or schedule a Zoom call if you prefer one-on-one support. We're here to listen and help you feel more confident in your breastfeeding journey.