The let-down reflex is a crucial aspect of breastfeeding, where a baby’s suckling at the mother’s breast stimulates tiny nerves in the nipple, triggering the release of the hormone oxytocin. This leads to the ‘letting down’ of milk as cells around the alveoli contract and push the milk down the ducts toward the nipples. It’s important to understand the signs of a normal let-down reflex, the reasons for a slow one, and the steps that can help improve it.
Recognizing a Normal Let-Down Reflex
In a typical let-down reflex scenario, mothers may experience:
- A short sucking pattern transitioning into a more drawn out sucking rhythm
- A feeling of calmness, relaxation, or fatigue as feeding begins
- A strong thirst sensation
- Frequent swallowing sounds, akin to a rush of air coming from the baby’s nose
- Some mothers may feel tingling, breast fullness, itching, headaches, nausea or occasional bouts of sadness
Understanding a Slow Let-Down Reflex
A slow let-down reflex can occur both when pumping and nursing. Several factors can contribute to this, including:
- Pain, anxiety, exposure to cold, stress, consumption of caffeine or alcohol, or exposure to smoke
- Use of certain medications
- Mothers who have undergone breast surgery may have nerve damage that could interfere with the let-down
- The cycle of a baby becoming fussy at the breast due to slow let-down, causing the mother to feel anxious, thus further disrupting the let-down
Overcoming a Slow Let-Down Reflex
Here are some practical steps you can take to improve the let-down reflex:
Before nursing/pumping
- Establish a routine when nursing, like using the same chair, drinking a glass of water, or playing a familiar music CD
- Keep the baby undressed for increased skin-to-skin contact
- Massage the breasts, perform gentle nipple tugs, and consider using moist heat to help milk movement
- When pumping away from your baby, look at their picture or smell a blanket that has been with them
During nursing
- Employ relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, eyes closed, or quiet music
- Sing or hum, or listen to soothing music
- Visualize milk draining from your breasts
- Use a heating pad on your shoulders and neck to relax tense muscles
- Apply breast compression with your thumbs or fingers to help drive milk towards the nipple
- Consider switching frequently between breasts until let down occurs
Exceptional Breastfeeding Support at The Youth Clinic – An IBCLC Care Award Winner
The Youth Clinic of Northern Colorado takes immense pride in being the recipient of the highly respected IBCLC Care Award from the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). This prestigious international accolade underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting and supporting breastfeeding, making us the only pediatric clinic in Northern Colorado to be honored in this way.
Our dedicated team of seasoned lactation consultants and healthcare professionals diligently provide a comprehensive suite of breastfeeding services, ensuring the highest quality of care and support for both mothers and their babies.
Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and we’re here to guide and assist you through it all. From understanding the let-down reflex to managing feeding frustrations, we offer personalized strategies, education, and round-the-clock support.
“The lactation nurses are wonderful! We saw two different educators and both are extremely knowledgeable, supportive, compassionate, and amazing. If it weren’t for them, I would have given up on breastfeeding!” – Parent of a Youth Clinic Patient
Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?
Eager to leverage our top-notch breastfeeding support services? Click here to schedule an appointment with The Youth Clinic. It’s time to give your baby and yourself the best care available. We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with the personalized support you need.