Lets talk about over supply and OAL
I feel like when I was pregnant and when I first started nursing everyone told me about low milk supply. It seemed the only things anyone ever talked about was how I might not make enough milk and how my nipples would hurt. So I did as much research as I could and bought books and tried to make sure I knew as much as I could about how to avoid these problems and what to do if I encountered them, which according to the whole world, I would.
Well that wasnt so. I didnt get sore cracked nipples and I didnt struggle with low supply. Nope I had an issue with OAL or forceful let down and an oversupply. However I didnt know that cause I didnt even know it was a thing. No one ever told me you can have too much milk or that your milk can let down to forcefully. I thought, hey, Ive got a lot of milk..thats awesome! But it can cause some issues.
When I first started nursing my son was gassy and fussy and he sometimes would cough or choke and spit up a lot. Sometimes his poops would be foamy and green from getting too much or not enough hind milk, and he never ever nurse for comfort, only for food.
It wasnt until someone mentioned to me what OAL was that a light switch went off. I took some time, did what was suggested and now I have a much happier eater.
Some signs you may have OAL
Gag, choke, strangle, gulp, gasp, cough while nursing as though the milk is coming too fast
Pull off the breast often while nursing
Clamp down on the nipple at let-down to slow the flow of milk
Make a clicking sound when nursing
Spit up very often and/or tend to be very gassy
Periodically refuse to nurse
Dislike comfort nursing in general
its extremely painful when your letdown happens
your consistently engorged (after the first month)
you start spraying like a super-soaker once your milk lets down
There are things you can do though.
First I suggest block feeding. Its easy and it helped a lot. Now I always thought you were to alternate breasts each feeding and always offer both boobs. Forget that. Start doing one boob and for the next set time, say 6 hours, only nurse off that side. Then nurse the other side for the next 6 hours. If you find your supply is dropping too much, shorten the blocks. If you find its not enough, make the blocks a longer time. It takes a couple weeks for your body to finally adjust though
Use gravity. Nurse your baby in a position where the baby's head and throat are above your nipple. Basically in any position that doesnt have your boob pointed down at the baby where it could drip into its mouth, but where the baby would have to suck it out.
Avoid unnecessary stimulation. Dont pump unless you have to, dont let your significant other suck on your nipples and avoid letting warm water pour on your breasts for periods of time.
After let down occurs hand express a little and then put baby to the breast. This way its not so forceful.
Use a cold compress. This helps to slow blood flow and milk production. You can use it on the boob thats not in use while nursing should it become uncomfortable. Or you can use it on both. I wouldnt exceed 30 minutes though.
It takes a while for your body to adjust so give it a couple weeks before trying something else. And dont worry, after about 4 months of age your milk supply will usually find a comfortable spot and even out.
for more information on how to help you baby be happy through OAL, how to deal with it and the signs visit this link here
