How to Help the Letdown for Lactation

Whether you are pumping your breast milk or letting your baby latch onto your breasts, the letdown reflex is essential during both of these processes. During the letdown of breast milk, the hormone oxytocin stimulates milk-making cells to contract and eject milk from the breasts. Some women have an overactive letdown of breast milk, which may result in their baby gagging or pulling away due to the abundance of milk. When the letdown is slow, babies may become fussy and impatient and it may affect the mother's self-esteem. To avoid this, incorporate methods to stimulate the letdown of breast milk.

Instructions

1

Avoid alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs because these may adversely affect the letdown of your breast milk.

2

Get in a relaxed state of mind. Take a warm bath or shower and take acetaminophen if your breasts are painful, because pain can distract you while nursing your baby and affect the breast milk letdown.

3

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position in a quiet room. If you are uncomfortable, it may interfere with breastfeeding and the letdown of your breast milk. Sit in a rocking chair that has sufficient arm and back support or lay down on a bed. Nurse your baby in the same room every time, because simply walking toward the room may stimulate breast milk letdown.

4

Massage your breasts lightly to stimulate the letdown of breast milk. Gently roll your nipples between your fingers and lightly pull on them. Have your partner massage your back or shoulders while you breast feed, because this may also stimulate the letdown.

5

Stimulate your senses because they directly influence the letdown of your breast milk. Listen to soft music while breastfeeding and drink water or herbal tea. Visualize your milk flowing or think of relaxing thoughts to take your mind of the task at hand. Some women prefer to think of their babies or look at photos of their babies, while others prefer to think about tropical beaches. Experiment with different types visuals and thoughts to see which best stimulate your letdown reflex.

6

Read a book, watch television or talk on the phone while breastfeeding your baby. By taking your focus off nursing, the letdown of your breast milk may naturally occur.

7

Wear a nursing bra so your breasts are comfortable in between feedings. Nursing bras offer support and stretch as your breasts fluctuate in size during your breastfeeding stage. Improper breast support may result in painful breasts, which may inhibit the letdown of your breast milk.