Learn about the let-down reflex, what it feels like, signs of overactive or delayed let-down, and tips on handling forceful or slow let-down. Have you ever shot your baby in the eye with breast milk? Or has your baby ever beat impatiently on your breasts like Congo drums at the start of a feeding?
Have you ever started leaking milk just from looking at pictures of your baby? Have you ever wondered why? Well, wonder no longer! All of these occurrences are caused by something called the let-down reflex. If you are a new mom or if you are new to breastfeeding, the let-down reflex may be a new concept to you. Your body is going to produce milk for your baby and the let-down reflex will happen whether you know it or not, but learning more about it may help you avoid potential issues in your breastfeeding journey.
For example, an overactive let-down may lead to your baby resisting the nipple and you spraying breast milk everywhere. This may stop you from breastfeeding in public , in fear of shooting breast milk on strangers. The let-down reflex, or the milk ejection reflex, is essentially the release of the stored milk in your breasts.
In between feedings, your body acts like a factory and continues to manufacture milk and build a supply of milk in your breasts. However, this factory is shaped like broccoli with the florets higher up on your breast and the end of the stalk at your nipple. The milk is produced at the alveoli cells the buds of the broccoli and stored there until a hormone called oxytocin or better known as the love hormone!
If you ask different moms what their let-down reflex feels like, most likely you will receive different answers. I always described mine as tiny lightning bolts going through my milk ducts.
In short, this is why emptying the breast of milk really matters to continue to produce more milk! As best you can, try to relax. Try to get out of your head and into your body.
Take slow and deep breaths or even do a short meditation if that resonates. Some moms find that drinking a warm beverage or listening to calm music helps them relax; others take a warm shower before starting to breastfeed.
Another tactic is to gently massage your breasts. The Lilu Massage Bra aids with that, for times when you are pumping. Breastfeeding recommends stroking your breast toward the nipple with the flat of your hand or edge of a finger.
Then roll your nipple between your fingers. Lastly, studies show that thinking of your baby or holding a picture of them while you pump, encourages let down. While brief, your emotions can range from happy to self-loathing. Share this on:. Office of Health and Human Services. Making breastmilk. Updated May 25, How breast milk is made. Oxytocin effects in mother and infants during breastfeeding. Low milk supply. University of Utah Health.
How to let-down and strategies for new mothers at work. January 24, Common breastfeeding challenges. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Overactive let-down. Riordan J, Wambach K. Breastfeeding and human lactation fourth edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning. Volume of milk obtained in relation to location and circumstances of expression in mothers of very low birth weight infants. J Hum Lact. Johns Hopkins Health. Nipple problems and discharge. Breastfeeding, A Guide for the Medical Profession.
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Stimulate Let-Down. How Let-Down Feels. Possible Let-Down Problems. Let-Down and Pumping. Read more on myDr website. There are a number of reasons why a breast feeding mother might wish to express milk rather than feeding the baby directly from the breast. This page includes information about expressing, storing, cleaning equipment, transporting and preparing expressed breastmilk for your baby. Read more on WA Health website. You can express breastmilk by hand, or with a manual or an electric pump.
Store expressed breastmilk in special bags or containers in the fridge or freezer. If you think you have a blocked milk duct, you can treat it at home to start with.
If you think you have mastitis or a breast abscess, see your GP as soon as possible. Babies start weaning when they begin consuming foods other than breastmilk.
For advice on weaning check out Tresillian's tip page. Read more on Tresillian website. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
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