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Breastfeeding & the Let-Down Reflex
What It Is and How to Work With It
Breastfeeding looks so natural—but it’s something both you and baby have to learn together. One of the most important (and sometimes surprising) parts of the process is the let-down reflex.
Knowing what to expect can help ease frustration and give you confidence as you feed your baby.
What Is the Let-Down Reflex?
The let-down reflex (also called milk ejection reflex) happens when your baby latches and suckles. Nerves in your nipple send signals to your brain to release oxytocin, which tells your body to “let down” milk from your milk ducts (NIH, 2023).
You may feel:
- Tingling or warmth in your breasts
- A sudden fullness or milk leakage
- Nothing at all (some people never feel it, and that’s okay!)
The let-down can also happen when you hear your baby cry—or even just think about them.
How to Encourage Let-Down
If your let-down feels slow, try:
- Relaxing: Take a few deep breaths before nursing
- Staying warm: A warm compress on your breasts can help
- Massaging: Massage your breasts gently before or during feeding
- Skin-to-skin: Keep baby close to stimulate oxytocin
Research shows reducing stress supports better milk flow and supply (Wambach & Riordan, 2021).
Don’t panic or give up at the first sign of difficulty. Chances are there’s a solution. Be patient with yourself and your baby. Ask for support if you need it. And remember—you and baby are learning together.
When to Call a Lactation Consultant
If you’re having trouble, you are not alone. A lactation consultant can help if you experience:
- Painful let-down
- Oversupply or forceful let-down that causes baby to cough or pull away
- Baby seems frustrated at the breast or isn’t gaining weight
Early help makes a big difference (LWW Journals, 2024).
ME Note: Lactation support is often covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Ask your provider or hospital for a referral, and check with your insurance plan about coverage and in-network consultants.
The Bottom Line: Through our lens
The let-down reflex is your body’s way of feeding your baby, but every mom and baby pair is different. Whether you feel it or not, you are doing an amazing job.
Be gentle with yourself. Learn at your pace. You’ve got this.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or lactation consultant about your specific needs and health.
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