Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is when a woman feeds an infant, toddler or a young child with milk produced from her breasts, usually directly from the nipples. Babies have a sucking instinct that enables them to take in the milk.

The let-down reflex

The let-down reflex, also known as the milk ejection reflex, is caused by the release of the hormone, oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates the muscles of the breast to squeeze out the milk. Breastfeeding mothers describe the sensation differently, with some feeling a slight tingling and others not feeling anything different.

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The reflex is not always consistent, especially at first. The thought of nursing or the sound of any baby can stimulate the let-down reflex, causing unwanted leakage, or both breasts give out milk when one infant is feeding. However, this and other problems often settle after two weeks of feeding. If the mother is in a stressed or anxious state of mind this can cause great difficulties with breastfeeding.

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Causes of a poor let-down reflex:

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• Sore or cracked nipples
• Separation from the infant
• A history of breast surgery

If a mother has trouble breastfeeding she can try different methods of assisting the let-down reflex. These include:

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• Feeding in a familiar and comfortable location
• Massage of the breast or back
• Warming the breast with a cloth or shower