Breastfeeding comes with a lot of terminology and feelings you might not totally understand - or realize were involved! A lot is going on behind the scenes each time your baby latches, and today, we’ll be diving into one topic I get questions about all the time - the letdown reflex.

If you’ve ever heard someone mention a letdown and secretly wondered what exactly they were referring to, then you’re in the right place!

What is Letdown in Breastfeeding

When someone mentions a letdown, this refers to the moment your body releases milk from the breasts’ storage areas and sends it forward through the ducts toward the nipple. It is also commonly called the milk ejection reflex, and it’s controlled mainly by the hormone oxytocin.

When your baby is nursing, their sucking sends a message up to your brain, essentially saying, “We need milk now.” In response, your brain releases oxytocin, which causes tiny muscles around the milk-making cells to squeeze and trigger the let-down reflex. That’s why milk suddenly moves from deeper in the breast towards the nipple and why milk flows more quickly.

This is also why you may experience a letdown when you hear your baby cry, look at a photo or video of your baby, or even think about feeding. Oxytocin is emotional-driven; it reacts to comfort, connection, routine, and even your environment. (If you want a deeper dive into the hormones behind breastfeeding, I also wrote about prolactin vs oxytocin in another post.)

What Does Let Down Feel Like in Breastfeeding

Every mom describes the letdown sensation differently. Some common

Tingling
A dull ache
Warmth
Pressure
A sudden rush or release

And some feel nothing at all, which is totally normal. With all of my babies, the senstation has been different - with my first and fourth baby, I’ve felt nothing, and with my other two, it was more noticeable.

A letdown usually happens within the first couple of minutes after you latch your baby or start pumping, but it often recurs throughout the feeding. Some moms notice milk spraying during let-down, especially in the early weeks.

You may also notice let-down when you’re not feeding, things like a random baby cry, cuddling your baby, or even folding their little onesies can set it off.

How To Encourage Letdown While Breastfeeding

Sometimes let-down takes a little longer, especially when you're tired, tense, or rushing. Here are some ways to help your body ease into it.

Create a Calm Space

When stress hormones are high, oxytocin has a much harder time doing its job. Try to take a moment to breathe, get comfortable, and slow down. Even a few deep breaths can make a huge difference. Reducing anxiety while breastfeeding can improve your letdown significantly.

Gently Massaging Your Breasts

Before feeding or pumping, try gently massaging from the outer breast toward the nipple. This helps signal your body that milk is needed and gets things moving.

Look at Photos or Videos of Your Baby

Your brain responds so strongly to emotional cues. A sweet video of your baby or a couple of photos can help trigger the let-down reflex, especially when using a breast pump.

Warmth Helps

A warm compress or warm shower before feeding relaxes tissue and encourages milk flow. This is especially helpful if you feel tense or cold.

Use Your Baby’s Sucking Pattern

If your baby is fussy at the breast, letting them “practice suck” or briefly comfort nurse can help bring on let-down. That early fluttery pattern of baby’s sucking pattern is designed to tell your body, “Let’s do this.”

Hear Your Baby

Just like seeing them helps, sometimes the sound of your baby’s coos or cries can help your milk let down. It’s okay if it feels a little wild—your body is wired for this.

How to Slow Let Down While Breastfeeding

Some moms have a fast or forceful let-down that leads to coughing, sputtering, or pulling off the breast. If that sounds familiar, here are some ways to help slow things down.

Try a Laid-Back Position

Feeding in a reclined or laid-back position helps slow the flow by working with gravity. Your baby can better control the milk, and you may feel less pressure when milk spraying starts.

Let the First Let-Down Flow Into a Cloth

If your baby struggles with the initial rush, you can let the first bit spray into a towel, then latch your baby once things settle down.

Use Paced Breathing

Taking slow, steady breaths can help your body stay calm and prevent an overly forceful milk ejection reflex. Oxytocin responds to deep breaths just as much as it responds to emotion.

Gently Express Before Nursing

A few seconds of hand expression can reduce pressure and help your baby stay more comfortable at the beginning of the feed.

Adjust Baby’s Position

Sometimes turning your baby slightly or trying a more upright position gives them more control and prevents gulping. Little angle changes can go a long way.

Breastfeeding isn’t always predictable, and learning your let-down patterns takes time. If you ever feel unsure, overwhelmed, or just curious about what’s normal, you’re never alone. I’ve walked many parents through this, and it truly does get easier once you understand how your body works.

If you want help navigating let-down, latch your baby more comfortably, adjust positions, or support your milk supply, my team is here and you can always reach out for personalized guidance. We are available for virtual consultations worldwide and work with many different insurances.

What is Let Down in Breastfeeding