What is a Let-Down? Understanding and Managing Your Let-Down

Okay, mumma, so you're a first-timer, and everyone's throwing around this word, "let-down." Yeah, I get it. It totally sounds like some weird medical term, right? I remember when I first heard it – I was clueless! Honestly, I did exactly what you might be doing right now... I Googled it!

So, let me break it down for you in real-mum terms, no fancy jargon. Picture your breasts as a magical milk factory. The let-down reflex is the factory’s whistleblowing, signalling it’s time for the milk to flow! When your baby starts nursing, it triggers a chain reaction. Your brain releases oxytocin, that love hormone that helped you throughout labour and makes your milk ducts contract and pushes milk towards your nipples.

What are the signs your milk is coming?

1. Physical Sensations: You might feel a tingling, warmth, or even a prickly sensation in your breasts. It's like a gentle electric current coursing through your body.

2. Baby's Behaviour: Your little one might start sucking more vigorously and swallowing happily. You can almost hear the little gulps of satisfaction.

3. Milk Flow: You might see or hear the milk flowing. It's like a tiny miracle happening right before your eyes.

Common let-down challenges?

While a strong let-down is generally a good thing, sometimes the milk train can encounter a few bumps in the road. Rest assured, this is completely normal, especially for your first. 

• A Slow Start: Sometimes, your milk takes a little longer to come in. It can be frustrating, I know, but it happens!
• The Milk Express: Ever feel like your milk is flowing a little too fast? That's called oversupply, and it can sometimes lead to engorgement or even mastitis. Ouch!
• A Little Discomfort: Sometimes, a strong let-down can cause some discomfort for you or your baby. It might feel a bit intense, especially for those sensitive little ones.

Tips to keep constant milk flow: 

• Skin-to-skin snuggles: Cuddling your baby skin-to-skin can stimulate the release of oxytocin, which can help trigger the milk letdown reflex. This powerful bonding experience can also help regulate your baby's temperature and heart rate.

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to your breasts before feeding can help relax the milk ducts and encourage a smoother flow. Our New Beginnings Warm Breast Pads are a great option as they provide gentle warmth and comfort, enhancing your breastfeeding experience. The warmth helps to relax your breast tissue, making it easier for milk to flow and ease any discomfort or engorgement you may be experiencing. They also offer great value for money as a dual-function therapy with a heating and cooling option. One of our lovely reviewers, Amy W, wrote:

“Breast Feeding Essential - Being a first-time mum, everything is so new. When I started to feel my breasts becoming sore just before my milk came in, I used these hot and cold packs (heat) to help support the easing of pain and the flow. They were so easy to use, just placing them in the microwave, and the relief was beautiful. I recommend always having one pack for heat and keeping one in the freezer. You can’t have enough packs, really! They are amazing!”

• Proper Latch: A good latch is essential for efficient milk transfer and a strong let-down. Ensure your baby's lips are flanged outward, their tongue covers their lower gum, and their chin touches your breast.

• Nipple Shields: Nipple shields can be helpful for some women, especially those with sore nipples or inverted nipples. However, using them correctly is important to avoid hindering the let-down reflex. Discover our ultra-thin Nipple Shields, which are designed to provide gentle and effective breastfeeding support. These thin, flexible shields are perfect for mothers with sore or cracked nipples or those who struggle with latch-on or have flat or inverted nipples. The shields help protect delicate nipples, improve latch, and ensure every drop of precious breast milk reaches your baby. Our shields are made from 100% food-grade silicone, are odourless and tasteless, and come with a convenient storage case for hygienic use. One of our five-star reviewers, Shelley, wrote:

“Game Changer - I’ve been struggling for the last week to feed bub as I have mastitis, I tried all the tips and tricks and finally decided to give nipple shields a go. I never wanted to as they always seemed soo bulky and I didn’t want bub getting confused but these things have literally saved my sanity. I’ve been in tears with every feed and not had any luck getting any milk out, pumping only made my nipples worse. I put the nipple shields on, and bub latched on straight away and the milk started flowing, happy tears! Highly recommend!”

• Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can affect milk production and milk supply. For more tips on how to increase your milk supply and help with your breastfeeding process, check out our blog: A Complete BreastFeeding Solution: Our Essential Trio for a Smoother Journey.

• Nourishing Your Body: A healthy diet fuels milk production. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Tips from a Lactation Consultant:

Marianne Dugmore, a renowned Australian lactation consultant, highlights a fascinating breastfeeding aspect: multiple let-downs can occur during a single feed. She explains, "You can have five or six 'let-downs' per breast per breastfeed. Milk flows in waves, with periods of flow followed by pauses.". Marianne encourages mothers to let down, relax, breathe deeply, and try skin-to-skin contact. “As your baby gets older, fussing at the end of a feed might indicate that the milk flow has slowed or that they're simply finished. So, whenever you're breastfeeding, keep the let-down reflex in mind. It's all about the flow." This knowledge is crucial for understanding your baby's feeding cues and optimising your breastfeeding experience.

Bonus Tips:

• Differentiating between let-down and oversupply: While both can involve a strong milk flow, oversupply often leads to engorgement, pain, and excessive milk leakage.  

• When to seek help: If you're feeling like things are just a bit too bumpy with your let-down, don't hesitate to call in the experts! Lactation consultants are like the breastfeeding gurus – they've seen it all and can offer amazing support and advice tailored just for you.

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful journey, but let's be honest, it sometimes throws us a curveball (or two!). I remember those early breastfeeding days with my first bub – it took a few weeks before we really found our groove. If things don't feel quite right, try not to worry. Remember every breastfeeding experience is different. Try experimenting and find what works best for you and your baby. You got this, mumma!