The let down reflex is an important part of breastfeeding that starts the flow of milk when the baby suckles.
So, when babies first breastfeed, they don’t actually get much breast milk, Mom.
Instead, breastfeeding sends a message to the mother’s body to release the milk stored in the breasts, which is called the let-down reflex .
Every breastfeeding mother feels different things, some of them don’t feel it at all. This reflex can be influenced by various factors.
So what exactly is a reflex?let down? Here are some symptoms and ways to stimulate it that mothers should know!
What is Let Down Reflex?
The let down reflex (LDR) is a reflex that ensures that breast milk is ready to flow. It is triggered by the release of two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, into the bloodstream.
Prolactin helps produce more milk, while oxytocin actually causes milk to be pushed out of the nipple. This makes breastfeeding easier for both mother and baby.
This LDR breastfeeding occurs when:
- In response to the baby sucking on the breast
- Hearing, seeing, or thinking about the baby
- Using a breast pump, hand expressing or touching the breast or nipple
- Viewing baby photos
- Hearing a baby (or another baby) cry.
This reflex can also occur with other stimulation of the breasts, such as by a partner.
Generally, the let-down reflex occurs 2 or 3 times during breastfeeding. Most women only experience the first time. This reflex is not always consistent, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding.
However, after a few weeks of regular breastfeeding or expressing, this reflex becomes an automatic response.
Most women notice a change in their baby’s sucking pattern as their milk starts to come in, from small, shallow sucks to stronger, slower sucks.
Some women also notice, when breastfeeding or expressing from one breast, that milk drips from the other breast.
The let-down reflex needs to be established and maintained to ensure a good milk supply.
Signs and Symptoms of Let Down Reflex
Some women experience the let-down reflex as a tingling sensation in the breast or a feeling of fullness, although others do not feel anything in the breast.
Here are the signs of a healthy let down reflex .
1. Uterine cramps
You may experience uterine cramps in the first few days after giving birth. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Like menstrual cramps , for some the cramps are mild and barely noticeable, while for others the contractions can be more painful.
2. Changes in Sucking Pattern
You may also notice a change in your baby’s sucking pattern during a feeding session . The feed may go from short and fast to long and slow after your milk comes in.
If they need more milk, their sucking may change again to encourage more.
3. Feelings
Breastfeeding mothers often report that they feel very relaxed and even sleepy when their milk lets down.
This is a side effect of the oxytocin being released. You may also suddenly feel thirsty, which is your body’s way of rehydrating to replace the milk released during a nursing session.
4. Tingling Sensation
Every time the baby starts to suckle, nerves in the breast send signals that release milk into the milk ducts. The reflexlet downThis usually happens after the baby has sucked on the breast for about two minutes.
Some women experience reflexeslet downThis is a tingling or warmth sensation. The tingling sensation can occur either before or during breastfeeding.
5. Full Breasts
If you suddenly feel your breasts full, this could be a signlet down reflexthe good one.
You may have a physical response and feel fullness around your breasts whenever your milk is ready to flow. This is caused by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin.
6. Breast milk dripping
You may notice milk dripping from the breast that is not being breastfed or pumped.
Don’t panic! This is normal for breastfeeding mothers.
7. Increase in baby weight
If your baby is gaining weight or has about 6-8 wet diapers a day, it means that the let-down reflex is working in your body.
The baby may also appear satisfied after feeding.
How to Stimulate the Let Down Reflex
The let-down reflex can be affected by stress, pain, and fatigue. There are many things you can try to stimulate it, such as:
1. Relax
Moms can do relaxation exercises such as deep breathing. Choose a quiet place and listen to music that soothes Moms.
2. Massage
Mothers can gently stroke their own breasts to help stimulate milk production.
You can also ask your husband to massage your neck and shoulders. This massage can stimulate the hormone oxytocin, which helps breast milk to flow properly.
3. Heat Therapy
Placing a warm, damp washcloth on your breasts, or taking a warm shower before nursing or pumping can stimulate milk letdown.
4. Hug the Baby
Holding your baby can stimulate the let-down reflex. However, if you are pumping while your baby is asleep or you are not with him, try looking at a picture of your baby, listening to a recording of his voice, or grabbing one of his blankets to smell it. This will stimulate the senses which in turn can encourage milk to come out.
5. Set a Routine Schedule
If possible, try to do the same routine as before you breastfeed or pump.
Because milk production is a reflex, the body will associate all of these activities with breastfeeding, and respond accordingly.
6. Pay attention to the attachment
Make sure the baby is properly attached to the breast. A well-attached baby will be able to breastfeed more easily.
7. Consume Healthy and Nutritious Food
Quality breast milk is breast milk from mothers who consume healthy and nutritious foods . Because, all will be given to the beloved baby. So make sure to set a balanced diet.
Eating chicken, eggs, tofu, and seafood has been linked to increased milk volume. Also, increase your consumption of vegetables and fruits, yes!
Don’t forget, always have a glass of water near you. Breastfeeding mothers need about 16 glasses of water per day.
This is needed to balance the excess water used to produce breast milk. One way to help you get the fluids you need is to drink a large glass of water every time you breastfeed your baby.
Milk letdown can be very strong, especially at the beginning of a feed. This rapid flow of milk can be upsetting to your baby, but it may not mean you have an oversupply or hyperlactation .
This condition can be managed by mothers, for example by lying down a little and burping the baby after the first few minutes. If you continue to have problems, ask your doctor or a lactation counselor for advice.
Popular Questions About Let Down Reflex
What Does the Let Down Reflex Feel Like?
When you experience this, you will usually feel a tingling sensation in the breast area. Not only that, you may also feel itching or pain in the breast.
Why Do Some People Not Feel the Let Down Reflex?
Every breastfeeding mother’s condition is different. It is possible that a mother who does not experience LDR breastfeeding is triggered by stress and fatigue.
How Long Does the Let Down Reflex Take?
This LDR condition in breastfeeding usually occurs 2 or 3 times a day. However, this is not always the same or consistent, Mom, a few weeks after breastfeeding, this will become an automatic response in Mom.
What is Prolactin and What is its Function?
Prolactin is a hormone that functions to stimulate the production of breast milk, usually starting during pregnancy until breastfeeding. The hormone prolactin is produced together with the release of estrogen and progesterone hormones to stimulate breast tissue.
***
Let down reflex is a natural process that is normal for breastfeeding mothers. Always think positively and relax so that the release of breast milk feels comfortable and enjoyable.
Hopefully this information is useful, Mom!
***
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
