Dear Elisheva,
I would address the overactive MER quickly so hopefully the problem does not
get worse.  The gasping, unable to suck/swallow/breath is a negative
experience for this baby every time she is breastfeeding.  Eventually she may
refuss the breast completely, even EBM.  Babies have long, strong memories of
negative experiences.

Has this mom tried to express prior to feedings so her let downs are less
forceful?  I would recommend that she does only one side nursing per feeding.
 Also what I find helpful is the side-lying position.  This allows the milk
to pool in the baby's cheek then gather on her tongue and delivered for the
swallow.  The worse position for these babies is the football hold, where the
milk shoots back too rapidly and there is no time to collect the bolus of
milk.  I have mom's modifiy the side-lying with the cradle hold and use a
cushion to elevate the baby's hips to the level of their head.
Hope this helps.
Ann Perry RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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