The let-down reflex is what causes breastfeeding or exclusively pumping mom’s breasts to release breast milk. This hormonal stimulation and milk flow impact areas of the brain and breasts to ensure you can produce human milk for your baby. Let’s explore facts about the let-down reflex and address some questions moms may have about it.
What is the Let-Down Reflex, and How Does it Work?
The let-down reflex is an automatic response when your baby starts suckling as you breastfeed or begin pumping. Also called the milk ejection reflex, this reaction happens due to two hormones being released into your bloodstream by the nerves in your nipples.
Oxytocin causes the milk flow, and prolactin makes more breast milk.
- Oxytocin is a hormone produced in part of the brain called the hypothalamus, and then the pituitary gland releases it into the bloodstream. It helps milk move from the breast's ducts to the nipple.
- Prolactin is responsible for breast development and lactation. The levels of this hormone elevate when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Are Signs of a Good Let-Down?
When let-down signals send oxytocin and prolactin to the breasts, breastfeeding or pumping mothers sometimes feel a tingling or warm sensation in their breasts. Once your baby latches on, they will use a quick sucking motion. Once the flow is adequate, the baby’s sucking pattern may change and become deeper and longer.
The same pattern applies to mothers using a breast pump. When first attaching the flanges to their nipples, short spurts may occur, leading to longer, more even spraying and more milk production.
When Does the Let-Down Reflex Occur?
As mentioned, the let-down reflex is triggered when the baby suckles. As a reaction to your baby’s cry (or another infant's crying), when you are overdue for their feeding, or even by a purposeful or inadvertent touch to your breasts, it can stimulate the milk reflex.
The let-down reflex may feel like a tingling sensation in your breasts. Sometimes, it is only mild, but other times, it may feel like pins and needles.
You may feel a fullness in your breasts if it’s been a while since your baby last breastfed. One breast may experience stimulation from your baby’s lips, while the opposite breast may leak due to the let-down from both breasts.
You may want to use a milk collection container to catch this milk even if you plan to have the baby nurse from the second breast. Breast milk is precious, so collect every drop!
How to Trigger the Let-Down Reflex
Other than the natural let-down response to stimulation of your breasts, you may need help getting your milk flowing . Here are a few tips:
Relax
Stress can delay let-down by preventing the release of oxytocin. Relaxation techniques can help you remain calm. You can speed this up by:
- Deep breathing- inhale through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Diaphragmatic breathing- concentrate on using your diaphragm to take deep breaths.
- Guided Imagery- Direct your thoughts to a place that has always calmed you or that you feel will calm you, e.g., a warm, isolated cabin in the woods in the winter or a beautiful spot on the beach with sand and waves. Focus your senses in this place where your thoughts are. What would the place feel, smell, or sound like?
- Play relaxing music or listen to a podcast to set the mood.
Make Yourself Comfortable
Find a place where you are comfortable and have support for your back and arms.
Find the position that is most comfortable for your baby to nurse in.
- Use pillows to prop up the infant or position them so you are not leaning forward.
- Bring your baby to your breast; don’t move your breast to them.
Remember to Focus on Your Baby
Think about your baby as you nurse or breast pump.
- Using all of your senses triggers your milk affection reflex and can speed up your milk flow.
- Skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby helps.
- If you are pumping and your baby is not with you, have one of their blankets or clothing articles with you to smell them.
- Imagine you have your baby with you, even if you don’t.
- Look at a picture or video of your little one as you pump.
What if My Let-Down is Slow?
If your let-down is delayed or comes slowly, you may want to pump or hand-express your milk. It can be very stressful for you and your baby if they are crying because they are hungry and their feeding pattern has been disrupted.
If your milk supply does not arrive quickly, you may tend to hurry and become frustrated. This distraction can cause stress and impede the release of milk from the milk ducts.
How Do I Encourage Let-Down When Pumping?
Before pumping, use the same tips as if you are going to breastfeed: Relax, be comfortable, and focus on your baby.
You should pump on the same schedule as your child’s usual feeding. This maintenance keeps your milk let-down reflex consistent and ensures an adequate supply.
Gently massage your breasts before and during your pumping session. A light massage and tugging or rolling your nipple between your fingers can help trigger the let-down reflex.
Get cozy with your favorite blanket, or use a warm washcloth or heating pad against your breasts. A warm shower before pumping helps stimulate the flow of milk.
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Why Has My Milk Let-Down Changed?
Many reasons may contribute to a change in milk let-down while breastfeeding or pumping. Your baby’s appetite regulates your milk production. Think about it as supply and demand dictated by your baby’s feeding sessions. The more milk you remove from your breasts, the more milk is produced.
Also, the frequency of your baby’s need for the next feeding and how much milk the baby takes contributes to your milk supply. As your baby’s mouth stimulates the let-down reflex and usual feeding begins, your baby starts the milk production process again.
Frequent feedings and removing breast milk from the milk ducts help prevent breast engorgement and blockages. These factors also prevent mastitis, an infection of the mammary glands.
How to Handle a Fast or Forceful Let-Down
A fast flow or an overactive milk ejection reflex is when the let-down is so forceful that it sprays. If your baby latches on during this rapid let-down, they may have trouble with the amount of milk expelled at once.
Most babies learn to handle this spray of milk and its volume because their sucking, swallowing ability, and breathing have matured. If they don’t, they may choke or gag when it happens.
Here are some ways to manage this issue:
- When your baby stops feeding, allow them to detach from your breast.
- Let your baby nurse at the breast until you feel the let-down reflex begin. Then stop their sucking and catch the rapid flow with a towel or collection device.
- To stop the let-down reflex without collecting the expressed milk, hold your nipple closed or press your hand to the side of your breasts until the milk flow slows.
- Another way of addressing the problem is to ensure the infant’s throat is higher than your nipple.
- The football hold, or “clutch” position, supports your child upright at your side. You can support their back with your arm or prop their bodies on pillows, then bring the baby’s mouth to your breast.
- You may also want to try lying flat on your back or reclining in a comfortable position, then have your baby lie right on top of you, tummy to tummy, and suckle at your breast.
How to Manage An Unexpected Let-Down
- If you have an unexpected let-down, applying pressure to your breast or nipple can slow the flow. Use the heel of your hand and gently press it to your affected breasts.
- Wearing nursing pads in your bra can absorb leaks or let-downs as well. Excessive leaking may occur at random times when triggered.
- Try to hand-express milk from your breasts to reduce the force and volume of the let-down.
- Your healthcare providers or lactation consultants can provide guidance.
- Joining a group of moms on the same breastfeeding journey may help you feel supported. These are those with whom you can ask questions and share experiences.
- Read online forums and blog posts like those here on Momcozy for the answers to your questions.
- La Leche League International is an organization that advocates for, educates, and trains breastfeeding mothers. It is an excellent resource for all those moms nursing their little ones.
FAQs About the Let-Down Reflex
Q: How long does the let-down last?
A: The let-down reflex triggers the milk to move out of the milk ducts and release from the nipples. It lasts a few seconds to a couple of minutes, but the milk may continue flowing throughout a feeding session. Multiple let-downs within the same feeding are usual.
Q: What is the sensation of let-down?
A: Some breastfeeding moms may feel let-down differently than others. Some may say physically, it feels like a tingling or prickly sensation. Others may report a sudden warmth or pressure and a feeling of fullness as their baby continues their sucking pattern. There may be some instances, especially when your baby has matured, that you do not feel the let-down reflex at all.
Emotionally, the release of oxytocin can have a calm, relaxing effect.
Q: How many let-downs can I have per feeding?
A: Moms typically feel two to four let-downs per feeding. However, the number each mom feels is summoned by how your baby suckles.
Conclusion
This article explains the let-down reflex, milk production, milk flow, and extraction, no matter whether moms are breastfeeding or pumping their breasts for their children’s nutrition.
The triggers, sensations, and typical responses to the let-down reflex are essential for your baby to receive the nutrition, volume, and calories needed for energy and growth development.
Your baby’s sucking pattern can trigger these sensations. If you are exclusively pumping, milk begins to flow after you gently massage your breasts or think of your baby.
Whether using only one breast or both to provide adequate flow and food for your baby, the more you nurse or pump, the more milk you will have.
Find a support person and depend on your lactation consultants and healthcare providers to guide your breastfeeding journey.
Rely on Momcozy for the best products and services in the breastfeeding industry.
