The Lowdown on Milk Letdown: How Your Body Releases Breast Milk

The symphony of hormones

Your letdown reflex is a carefully orchestrated hormonal dance. When your baby nurses, latches, or when you pump, nerve endings in your breast/chest send signals to your brain, triggering the release of two key hormones:

• Oxytocin (the "love hormone") → Contracts tiny muscles around milk-producing cells, pushing milk through the ducts.

• Prolactin → Ensures continued milk production for future feeds.

These hormones work together to support both immediate milk release and long-term milk supply.

Did you know?

Oxytocin spikes during letdown can also cause uterine cramps, helping your postpartum recovery!

Recognizing your letdown

Every lactating parent experiences letdown differently:

• Tingling, pins-and-needles sensation

• Warmth or fullness

• A change in baby's sucking/swallowing rhythm

• Milk dripping from the opposite side

• No sensation at all

No matter how it feels, what matters most is milk transfer, not whether you physically sense the letdown happening.

The first few weeks: getting used to letdown

In the early days of feeding, letdown might feel intense or even uncomfortable as your body establishes its milk supply. This sensitivity typically eases over time as your body adjusts to your baby's needs.

Beyond the physical: emotional aspects of letdown

Because oxytocin influences both milk release and emotions, you might feel:

• Suddenly relaxed or sleepy

• A wave of happiness or warmth

• Brief sadness or anxiety (D-MER)

Understanding D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex)

Some lactating parents experience a brief but intense emotional drop during letdown, known as D-MER.

• D-MER can happen because dopamine temporarily drops when oxytocin is released.

• But it’s not postpartum depression, and it's not your fault.

• You are not alone. Research shows that 14.2% of lactating parents experience D-MER.

• What helps:

  1. Recognizing it’s temporary (usually lasting only a minute or two)

  2. Deep breathing or distraction techniques

  3. Talking to a lactation consultant if it feels overwhelming

Common letdown patterns

Letdown isn’t a one-time event per feed as your body releases milk multiple times during a session:

• First letdown = Largest volume, quenches baby's initial thirst

• Subsequent letdowns = Fat-rich hindmilk, keeps baby full

Your baby may pause during feeding, waiting for another letdown—this is normal!

Managing different letdown experiences

When letdown is strong

If your letdown is forceful, your baby may struggle to keep up. Try:

• Leaning back slightly to slow milk flow

• Expressing a small amount before latching

• Using laid-back nursing positions

• Briefly unlatching your baby during initial letdown

When letdown seems delayed

A slower letdown can be frustrating, but you can help trigger it by:

• Creating a calm environment

• Practicing relaxation techniques (deep breathing, mindfulness)

• Using warm compresses

• Maintaining skin-to-skin contact

• Staying hydrated and well-nourished

The power of conditioning

Your body learns to associate certain stimuli with letdown. Common triggers include:

• Looking at photos/videos of your baby

• Hearing your baby (or any baby) cry

• Thinking about feeding

• Taking a warm shower

• Smelling your baby's clothes

Recognizing these triggers can help especially when pumping or away from your baby.

Supporting your letdown while pumping

Pumping presents unique challenges, especially if your body doesn’t respond to a pump the same way it does to your baby. Next time you are pumping, try:

• Deep breathing to promote relaxation

• Gentle breast massage & compression

• Watching a video or smelling an item with your baby’s scent

• Pumping in a consistent, comfortable routine

• Ensuring your flanges fit correctly

Struggling to trigger letdown while pumping?

Take a deep breath, and know that you’re not failing. Your body naturally responds more to your baby, so try smelling their onesie or listening to their coos to encourage letdown.

For partners: how you can help

Not the nursing parent? You can still play a huge role in supporting letdown and milk transfer:

• Recognize letdown cues (baby’s sucking changes, swallowing sounds)

• Create a calm feeding environment

• Offer hydration/snacks (breastfeeding is thirsty work!)

• Help with burping, diaper changes, or bottle-feeding expressed milk

Your support reduces stress, which in turn helps oxytocin flow, improving letdown and milk supply.

When challenges arise

Stress and letdown

Stress can temporarily inhibit letdown by interfering with oxytocin release. If this happens:

• Take deep breaths before feeding

• Listen to calming music or white noise

• Try gentle massage or warm compresses

Letdown will return once stress levels decrease. Be patient with yourself.

Changes throughout your feeding journey

Your letdown patterns will evolve over time:

• Growth spurts = More frequent letdowns

• Weaning = Fewer, less noticeable letdowns

• Hormonal shifts = Variations in letdown strength

Your body adapts to your baby’s needs. Trust the process.

When to seek help

If you are experiencing

• Painful letdowns (burning or sharp pain)

• No letdown after 5+ minutes of feeding/pumping

• D-MER that disrupts your daily life

Connecting with:

• Lactation consultants

• Breastfeeding support groups

• Experienced lactating parents

…can make a huge difference in your journey.

Supporting your body’s natural process

Lactation is a whole-body process; caring for yourself supports letdown. Don't forget to:

• Stay hydrated

• Eat nutrient-dense meals/snacks

• Rest when possible

• Practice stress management techniques

Research shows that stress and sleep deprivation are key factors in worsening D-MER symptoms, so finding time for yourself is essential.

We see you

Understanding your letdown reflex is an important part of trusting your body’s ability to nourish your baby.

Napper is here to support you on this journey, and set the record straight on a common letdown myth: weak letdown does not equal low milk supply! Many parents feel nothing but have steady milk transfer.

Remember: Your body knows what it’s doing. With time, patience, and support, you and your baby will find your unique rhythm.