The let-down reflex, also known as the milk ejection reflex, is a natural physiological response that occurs in breastfeeding women. It is triggered by the stimulation of nerves in the nipple when a baby suckles, causing the release of two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, into the bloodstream. Prolactin helps produce more milk, while oxytocin causes the milk to be pushed out of the nipples, making breastfeeding easier for both the mother and the baby.
The let-down reflex usually occurs after the baby has been sucking the breast for about two minutes, and some women feel it as a tingling or warmth, while others may not feel it at all. Even if the mother does not feel the let-down, she will see a change in the babys swallowing patterns and hear the baby swallowing. The let-down reflex can also be triggered by other stimuli, such as hearing a baby cry or thinking of the child. It can be impacted by stress, tiredness, or discomfort, and can be encouraged by relaxing and distracting oneself.
However, some women may experience an overactive let-down, where the milk flows too quickly, causing the baby to choke, gag, or push off the breast. In such cases, strategies such as allowing the baby to come off the breast as needed, catching the rapid flow of milk in a towel, hand-expressing or pumping until the milk flows, and using specific nursing positions can help manage the overactive let-down.
