what is let-down?

by Helen Wed May 07, 2008 3:38 pm

Sorry sound a bit dim but what is the let-down feeling you get when breastfeeding?

by **kay** Wed May 07, 2008 5:05 pm

I dont get any feeling when it happens, the only clue for me is a change in Coreys sucking.
Rather than suck, swallow, suck, swallow, it goes suck, suck, swallow, suck, suck, swallow, and is generally slower and less guzzling. If that makes sense Razz

by **Natasha** Wed May 07, 2008 5:33 pm

Let Down

When your baby begins to nurse, hormones are released that cause your milk to flow towards the milk stores behind your nipples. This is called the "let-down reflex". Sometimes, just the sight or thought of your baby may start the reflex and make your milk flow. On the other hand, the let-down reflex can be delayed or inhibited by stress, pain, embarrassment or other unpleasant feelings.

The let-down reflex occurs every time you breastfeed. It may take a few minutes the first few times you breastfeed. Later, let-down will occur more quickly, usually within several seconds.

The experience of let-down is different for each woman. When your baby begins nursing, you may feel a tingling sensation, a prickling or even slight pain in your breast. Milk may start dripping from the breast that is not being suckled. You may also feel strong cramping in your uterus when your milk lets down. Oxytocin, which is the hormone that stimulates milk flow, also causes the uterus to contract. In fact, breastfeeding helps your uterus go back to its original size faster than if you didn't breastfeed. These are all normal symptoms of the let-down reflex. You may experience all, or none, of these signs.

Also if you need help getting a let down try these.