Ways to Incease Breastfeeding Let-down

How the let-down reflex works

A let-down while breast feeding is formally called the milk-ejection reflex. This is action is essential while breastfeeding for the milk to release out of the nipple. The let-down action is involuntary and is caused by the sensation of the baby sucking the nipple. The sensation of the suck triggers the nerve endings to send a message to the brain to release a hormone called Oxytocin. Oxytocin is released in the bloodstream and sent to the breasts. Here is causes small muscles cells around the milk glands to eject milk into the ducts. As the baby sucks, the milk moves from the ducts and flows into the baby's mouth. This whole cycle takes very little time; for someone it happens in seconds and for others within a few minutes.

Reasons for diminshed let-down reflex

However, there are some women who experience difficulty in letting down. There are a number of factors that can cause a lack of or decrease in let-downs. Some of them are:

• Breast surgery. Many breast surgeries, including reduction and augmentation, can hamper nerve sensation in the nipple (due to nerve damage from surgery.)
• Stress or perceived stress. Since stress suppresses the release of oxytocin in the brain, stress can have an effect on your milk letting down.
• Drug or excessive alcohol use.

How to increase your let-down

If you are suffering from a diminished let-down reflex, there are some strategies you can employ to increase your let-down. If you are new to breastfeeding, you will first want to confirm with a qualified lactation consultant or doctor that your milk supply is not medically limited for any reason (as this might hinder your let-down reflex.) Otherwise, follow these useful tips in helping your milk let down while breastfeeding.

Note, that many women have no problem letting down for their babies but are unable to do so for the pump. If you are pumping regularly as a working mom or to increase milk supply, you might also find these tips are also very useful.

1. Get comfortable. Make sure you are comfortable while breastfeeding. Have a nice, comfortable spot where you nurse your baby. The chair should support your back, your baby should be propped enough that she can reach your breast without you hunching over. Make sure you are warm enough, and that you are in a position you can stay in for awhile.
2. Make sure your bladder is empty before nursing. If you holding on to your pee, then you are uncomfortable and will have a harder time relaxing (necessary for the body to release oxytocin.)
3. Have a drink nearby. Have water or tea or some non-alcoholic beverage right by your nursing chair. This will help you relax as well. Not only is lots of fluid consumption essential for the body during nursing, but a let-down will also trigger thirst.
4. Keep baby engaged. Some babies are very impatient and do not want to spend a long time waiting on the breast for milk. Some moms find that keeping these babies entertained while sucking on the boob is helpful. You can do this by wearing a "nursing necklace" or something that the baby can look at and play with while at the breast.
5. Apply heat prior to nursing or pumping. Heat on the breasts helps to bring the milk in making the milk more accesible for a let-down. Try taking a hot shower before nursing or apply a hot compress. Some swear by a microwaveable flaxseed pillow; others find that heating pads work just fine.
6. Massage your breasts. Massaging the breasts prior to nursing helps to bring the milk in. Similarly, massaging your breasts or compressing your breasts during feeding can help to bring your milk down.
7. Skin-on-skin contact. Skin on skin contact can release oxytocin in the brain. Try taking off your shirt and breastfeeding your infant in only her diaper. The skin is an very sensitive organ which can trigger to brain to help with let-down.
8. Pump before nursing. Try pumping a little just to the point of let-down and then turn off the pump and begin nursing. Some women swear by this technique; others find it to be a coordination nightmare.
9. Eat chocolate. Apparently the consumption of chocolate releases oxytocin in the brain. This is the very same hormone that is responsible for milk letting down. Note that oxytocin is the same hormone that is also released in the brain during sex. Some call it the hormone of love.
10. Think of happy times. Nursing is proof that thoughts directly impact the mechanics in our bodies. Try thinking of past times when you were happy or peaceful. Sometimes just a nostalgic thought will release oxytocin and trigger your milk to let-down.
11. RELAX. Stress or worry about letting down will directly impact your ability to let-down. Many moms fear they do not have enough milk for their baby or that their baby is going hungry. Unless you have a medically proven reason to believe this, chances are VERY unlikely that you do not have enough milk to feed your baby. Just relax and trust nature and your body.
12. Practice visualization. The power of the mind is huge when it comes to let-down. Find a visualization exercise that works for you. Some women find that thinking of milky white rivers flowing through their breast helps to bring their milk down. Others have a mantra or a song they repeat andthis relaxes their body enough to allow the oxytocin to release. Meditation or simple breathing exercises can have a similar effect.
13. Visualize your baby (for pumping). If you are having trouble letting down while pumping (at work, for example), try pumping while looking at photos of your baby or smelling some of her clothing. This can help trigger the brain to release oxytocin which will stimulate the milk let down.