Breastfeeding:Letdown

Are there any tecniques that can help letdown occur easier and faster?

The letdown reflex puts the milk making and milk delivery systems together and increases efficiency by helping the milk flow quickly and freely from the breast.

Letdown starts when the baby sucks effectively at the breast and the nerve endings in the nipple and areola are stimulated.
A nerve signal is sent to part of the mother`s brain called the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus sends a signal to the mother`s pituitary gland in her brain which starts the release of prolactin and oxytocin.
Oxytocin causes the smooth muscle cells around the alveoli to contract.
The milk is squeezed through the ducts to wait for the baby to suck it out.

Without effective letdown, the baby gets only the milk waiting in the milk ducts (foremilk) and little of the hindmilk that is produced higher in the breast during the nursing session. The fat in hindmilk provides 50% of the calories in breastmilk. Without a functioning letdown, the baby will not get enough nourishment. Additionally, poor letdown will suppress breast milk production because less milk will be removed from the breast, so less milk will be made.

During letdown, many women feel a tingling sensation in the breast and milk may drip from one or both breasts when it occurs. Many first-time mothers do not begin feeling a sensation with letdown until their baby is 3 or 4 weeks old. Some mothers never have a sensation when they letdown, although their letdown reflex works well. As this reflex becomes better established, a mother`s milk may letdown when she hears a baby cry or when it is close to feeding time.

Signs of a Functioning Letdown

Strong uterine contractions while nursing during the first few days postpartum.
Sudden feeling of fullness or tightening in the breasts.
Tingling sensation resembling pins and needles in the breasts.
Milk leaking from the opposite breast (many women use breast pads or soft cloths to catch the leaking milk).
A change in the baby`s sucking pattern from quick sucks to slow deep sucks accompanied by frequent swallows.
Hearing the baby gulping.
Milk in the baby`s mouth or leaking out of the mouth.
A feeling of relaxation in the mother while breastfeeding. Signs that Letdown is Delayed or Inhibited
The baby comes off the breast crying and unhappy.
The baby is sucking quickly and is not swallowing very often.

Factors that Inhibit Letdown

Fatigue.
Fear.
Stress.
Anxiety.
Pain.
Smoking.
Excessive alcohol intake.
Excessive caffeine intake.
Some medications.

If a mother is having problems getting her milk to letdown, encourage her to relax and practice some techniques that encourage letdown. Remind her that this is just a temporary change, and her letdown reflex and milk supply will improve if she continues breastfeeding.

Techniques that Encourage Letdown

Nursing in a comfortable position in a calm atmosphere.
Relaxation exercises and deep breathing.
Warm compresses on the breasts before feeding.
Taking a warm shower.
Breast massage while breastfeeding.
Smelling the baby`s clothing.
Hearing the sounds of the baby`s voice.
Nursing in a lying down position.

Comments: Breastfeeding - Letdown

Comments 1 to 2 of about 2.

michellelaughs - 279 days ago.
Any tips to getting a letdown while pumping? I can only seem to pump while nursing at the same time.

pregnantdebs - 377 days ago.
i wonder if you guys can help my baby is now 3 months and is 100% breastfed but he moans when the milk comes out too fast,what can i do about it,i have expressed alil before feeding him and it helps,he will latch on and drink happily,but if im out and about,shopping or what not,what am i supposed to do about it comming out so quick,i cant really express a lil out at that point,and he wont take a bottle at all he wont even put the thing in his mouth ,any advice would be great thanks xx