You’re breastfeeding and you notice that the sessions don’t always go very well? Even though baby feeds often and very vigorously, your breasts remain engorged and you find yourself uncomfortable? At feeding time, baby chokes almost every time; he cries and is shocked by the situation. Your ejection reflex may be too strong.

Fortunately, there are solutions! It’s not uncommon for this to happen, especially in women who have already breastfed, since the mammary glands are already well trained. The baby gets too much milk too quickly. Efficient suckling stimulates lactation to the maximum, and the quantity produced is always greater. This is why you remain engorged, even after certain feeds.

Now, how can you make breastfeeding more enjoyable for both of you? Here are some basic tips:

• Breastfeed frequently, because the longer the time between sessions, the stronger your ejection reflex will be
• Breastfeed from one breast at a time. You can pump a bit of milk from the second breast if you feel pain, which will gradually reduce stimulation and thus production. Your production should balance itself over time in regards to your baby’s needs
• Don’t wait for the baby to get angry before giving them your breast. If they are calm, they will breastfeed better, and your reflex may be weaker
• Use a breastfeeding position that helps reduce your reflex or its management. You can use the biological position (rearward tilt (INSPQ 2024)), the football position, with you lying on your back and the baby on your stomach (if they are over 3-4 weeks old). You can also use the sitting position with your baby on your thigh, stomach to stomach (anti-reflux position). You can better manage your reflex because your baby is in a vertical position. 
• Burp them frequently to reduce the amount of air in their stomach
• If your breasts are overly engorged, you have to pump some of your milk to soften them and reduce the ejection reflex
• Don’t pump your milk between sessions because it increases stimulation
• Check to see if a nipple shield could help

If the situation doesn’t improve despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation consultant in your area. You’ll find them in the public health network.

Marie Fortier
The Baby Expert 

Updated article : October, 2024.