Understanding Overactive Let-Down Reflex in Breastfeeding

795 Words2 Pages

Overactive let-down (OALD) reflex results in the forceful release of milk from the breast when the infant is suckling. It usually occurs only with the first let-down in the breastfeeding session, though in some cases the woman may have more than one let-down. Another name for this is hyper-milk ejection.
The cause of an OALD reflex is not yet known. It may be due to an abnormally strong reaction to the hormone called oxytocin which is released during suckling or nipple stimulation. It could also be that such women produce too much milk.

Why is OALD reflex important?
When the OALD reflex is present, the rush of milk means that the baby drinks too much too fast, ingesting a lot of air during the act of swallowing. As the baby grows to expect this phenomenon, the reaction may range from reluctance to feed to downright aversion …show more content…

She should make sure that the baby nurses long enough at the breast to get the protein-rich hind milk.
• Keeping an absorbent pad nearby is advisable to soak up the milk that leaks out with the letdown, while waiting for the flow to reduce a little. This keeps the clothing dry and clean.
To prevent the breast from becoming overfilled or engorged with milk, the baby should be nursed at least 10 times every 24 hours, leaving a gap not longer than 5 hours at night - even for a very sleepy baby. Normally, babies should be fed on demand, at least every 2-3 hours. Frequent nursing reduces the strength of the letdown reflex.
If the other breast needs to be pumped for the sake of comfort, the mother should consult a professional so that proper emptying occurs. Adequate communication with the primary care provider can be an opportunity to share all the important information and ensure necessary care for both the mother and the

More about Understanding Overactive Let-Down Reflex in Breastfeeding

Open Document