Baby Friendly Manitoba: Information for Parents
Breastfeeding: The Let-Down Reflex
Let-down happens as milk is released into milk ducts in your breast. This usually happens when your baby sucks on your breast. You may even have a let-down when your baby or someone else’s baby cries, or for no reason at all. Some women don’t feel the let-down. Others may feel a pins and needles or tingling sensation. Others will have a very strong sensation or discomfort. Other signs of let-down include leaking milk from the opposite breast, cramping, increased vaginal flow, increased thirst, and relaxation.
Can I have a let-down if I’m not feeding my baby?
Yes. If you find you are soaking your shirts with milk at inconvenient times:
- Wear one or more breast pads as needed. Change these pads to keep the skin dry.
- Wear dark patterned clothes to hide the milk spilled on your tops.
- Cross your arms and press the palm of your hand on the nipple area when you feel the let-down
What if my let-down is slow?
Make sure you are comfortable when breastfeeding. If you are embarrassed or anxious about breastfeeding, it may take a little longer for the milk to flow well.
- Find a private, quiet place if you are uncomfortable.
- Sit or lie comfortably.
- Have a drink handy (non-alcoholic).
- Massage your breasts or apply a warm face cloth to the breast before feeding.
If you have followed these tips and still have a problem with let-down, talk with your public health nurse, midwife, or a lactation consultant—a person with extra knowledge to help breastfeeding mothers and babies.
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